Festival Fair-Price Shops Open at 61 Locations Across 42 Districts

Kathmandu, October 5, 2026: The government has opened festival-focused fair-price shops at 61 locations across 42 districts, giving consumers an option to buy essential goods at subsidized prices during the major festival season.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has included the operation of these shops among the government's key achievements during its first six months in office.

Shops Open Across 42 Districts

According to the government’s six-month progress report, fair-price shops have been established at 61 locations in 42 districts with the aim of making essential festival goods more affordable and accessible to consumers.

The initiative will be particularly relevant during Dashain, Tihar and other major festivals, when household spending on food and other essential items typically increases.

The shops will provide consumers with an alternative to regular market outlets by offering selected essential products at subsidized or discounted prices.

Aimed at Reducing Festival Shopping Costs

Festival periods often bring higher household expenses as families purchase food, cooking essentials and other goods for celebrations.

The fair-price shops will seek to reduce some of that pressure by making selected essential items available at lower prices.

For consumers, the government-backed outlets will provide another option for comparing prices and purchasing festival necessities.

Part of Government's Economic Measures

The operation of the fair-price shops has been listed under the government's economic reform, trade and investment achievements.

The government has also reported other measures under the same area, including a one-stop approval system at the Investment Board, the issuance of 106 new permits for mining exploration and extraction, and expanded taxpayer services.

However, the festival fair-price shops are directly aimed at consumers, particularly those looking to manage higher household expenses during the festival season.

More Consumer Support During Festival Season

With major festivals approaching, the availability of subsidized essential goods through 61 outlets across 42 districts is expected to give consumers additional purchasing options.

The initiative will also allow the government to intervene in festival-season markets by making selected necessities available through public distribution channels.