Traders agree not to hike price of bottled water

KATHMANDU: Traders have agreed not to increase the price of bottled water.

In a meeting with the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection, the traders agreed not to increase the price, said Rabindra Acharya, spokesperson for the department.

He said that the traders have agreed to issue a public statement informing about its decision to revoke the earlier decision to increase the price of bottled water.

“The traders have agreed to issue a public statement regarding its decision not to hike the price of bottled water hence, we have decided not to initiate any action against them. Our team is still monitoring the water plants and we will take action against those that are found to be charging more from consumers,” said Acharya.

As per Acharya, the traders do not have the legal right to increase prices arbitrarily. He said that those who are involved in such activities can be imprisoned for a year or fined Rs 300,000 or they could face both penalties.

He informed that the traders have agreed not to increase the price of water until any further decision has been taken on the issue. He said that the Nepal Bottled Water Industries Association had unilaterally issued a circular mentioning about the hike in the price of bottled water on September 19.

Acharya has urged consumers to inform the concerned authorities and departments if they come across any trader selling water at a higher rate.