Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Lekhraj Bhatta, has warned of action to the hoarders. He said it during the surprise monitoring in some department stores in Pokhara on Friday evening.

The Minister also claimed that there was no shortage of goods in the markets.

However, Minister Bhatta directed the concerned authorities to take action to Yadav Stores at Chipledhunga of Pokhara for it was selling per kg salt at Rs 25, which is an increase by Rs 5. He reached the store in a disguise of a customer.

Ministry Secretary Baikuntha Aryal and Joint Secretary at Supply Division Prakash Dahal were directed to punish the store immediately.

Minister’s personal secretary Birendra Basnet informed that the Minister and team was in the market monitoring in Pokhara. Anyone found selling goods at exorbitant rate would be taken action.

He further said the Ministry team of high level officials headed by Minister Bhatta was in Pokhara to study tourism activities and availability of goods in market. The government has been attentive to curb black marketing in view of the corona fear.