The findings of the Nepal COVID-19 Market Update #8 are:
- Retail prices of most food commodities fluctuated in November 2020, however prices of food staples remained stable. Prices of some vegetables, fruits and pulses declined, while prices of chicken meat and milk increased.
- Continued improvement in functioning of markets was observed, with adequate availability of food and non-food commodities in markets, and improved supply and transportation of goods reported across the country, particularly in rural areas.
- Demand for food and non-food commodities however remained at medium level and did not show improvement.
- Despite the observed improvement in market functioning, the prolonged COVID-19 crisis, combined with uncertainty, limited employment opportunities and in turn lower purchasing power has resulted in the retail prices of most essential commodities remaining volatile.The continued pressure on vulnerable households can affect their ability to access essential food and non-food commodities, and thereby have negative impact on their food security status.