The authorities in Nepal say there is an artificial shortage of salt along Nepal's border with India.

They say consumers have panicked on reports of shortages of salt in the bordering Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradeshand traders have also hoarded it hoping to make a profit in sales across the border.

Officials say the government has enough stocks to last five months but a correspondent in Kathmandu says salt prices have risen sixfold in the border areas.