KATHMANDU: Banana prices have risen sharply after supply dropped below demand, following a government ban on imports from India.

In the retail market, consumers report paying up to Rs 350 per dozen. With fewer bananas arriving, some wholesale shops at the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market have even shut down.

Fruit trader Dilip Raut said local production is not enough to meet demand. “We’ve had to close some shops due to the shortage. We are struggling to cover costs. Bananas must be imported from India,” he said.