Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has directed the government to conduct a detailed study on the recent hike in cement prices and submit a report within seven days.
“The increase in cement prices has raised construction costs. This hike appears abnormal. The concerned ministry must intervene. Therefore, the committee instructs the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies to analyze the reasons behind the price hike and present the findings within a week,” PAC Chairperson Rishiram Pokharel said, announcing decisions taken by the committee on Wednesday.
The committee has also instructed the government to develop and implement a pricing system for essential goods to prevent arbitrary price fluctuations.
The PAC on the day held discussions on hike in cement prices with representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal and the Cement Manufacturers’ Association.
Stating that some industries have been facing power outages of up to 12 hours, Pokharel said the committee has decided to seek clarification from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation regarding the power cuts.
