August 28: Amid skyrocketing prices of daily essentials and fear for black marketeering, the Federation of Nepali Consumer Protection has asked the government to immediately control black marketing, unusual price hike and supplies of sub-standard goods in the market.    
The federation made such demands during a recent press conference, arguing that price hike and supplies of sub-standard goods have economic and health impacts on the general public.    
Chairman of the federation Chandra Saud said Nepali consumers have been conned in the hands of black marketers, and asked the government to take steps against such ill-practices.    
Senior Vice-Chairman of the federation Indra Raj Bhattarai argued that the consumers themselves should be cautious to the unusual price hike and the government should book anyone for their involvement against consumers' rights.    
Eleven associations working for the consumers' welfare and rights from all seven provinces are affiliated with the federation. -- RSS