Kathmandu, Aug. 14 -- Despite the prime minister's own admission that he had been misled by sugar mills operators into instituting a restriction on the import of sugar, the government is considering extending the quota restriction on sugar imports, a decision that could result in a hike in sugar prices during the festival season.

Though the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies said that no decision has been taken on the issue yet, traders believe that their lobbying will lead to the restriction being extended.

"The ministry has not decided on the issue yet," said Navaraj Dhakal, the ministry spokesperson. "Instead, the ministry is planning to import 35,000 tonnes of sugar for the upcoming festivals as a buffer stock to stabilise ...