“Chips are also being confiscated” – when anger came out on the streets
The situation appeared to be worsening in border towns like Nepalgunj and Birgunj, when even small items – like potato chip packets – were stopped and confiscated at the border. In a video viral on social media, a woman was seen confronting Nepal Police, demanding the return of packets of chips she had bought for her children. His question was – If Indian products can be sold openly in the shops of Nepal, then why are common people being stopped at the border? This incident has now become a symbol of the dissatisfaction which is increasing rapidly among the border people.
Under PM Balen Shah, Nepal is enforcing heavy customs duties (up to 80%) on all Indian goods above NPR 100 (~₹100), including small grocery packets and daily essentials.
Border residents now face long queues, aggressive checks and confiscations that are crippling daily life.… pic.twitter.com/jgouMYNUOB
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 20, 2026