In a recent development, hotels, restaurants, and resorts across Nepal have reached an agreement to sell water at the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). This decision follows discussions between Industry, Commerce, and Supply Minister Damodar Bhandari and representatives from the hospitality industry.
The initiative came after the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection identified several restaurants in Kathmandu selling water above the MRP, leading to fines of up to 300,000 rupees. In response, officials from the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and the Restaurant & Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) engaged in discussions with the minister, which also included the director general of the department.
The outcome of the meeting was a clear directive that all restaurants must sell water at the MRP. Additionally, hotels and resorts are permitted to sell water bottles featuring their own labeling, brand, and MRP.
According to Sajan Shakya, General Secretary of HAN, it was agreed that government personnel would conduct regular monitoring of compliance during the festival season. However, this monitoring will not apply to hotels and resorts.
This agreement reflects the commitment of Nepal’s hospitality sector to ensure fair pricing for consumers, particularly during busy festival times.
