Vivo’s Y series smartphone sees a price hike in Nepal

First Xiaomi, then Samsung, and now Vivo, smartphone brands are increasing the price of their devices in Nepal. Particularly, Vivo has raised the price of its Y series smartphones — the Vivo Y90, Y91C 2020, Y11 2019, and Y12 by Rs. 800, Rs. 900, Rs. 990, and Rs. 600 respectively from their earlier price. But why?

The US Dollar rate against the Nepalese rupees has been continuing to appreciate for months. Then, the sudden nationwide shutdown owing to the COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation. Also, almost every brand in India has inflated the price of their mobile phones in response to a 12 to 18% increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mobile phones, effective as of 1 April 2020.

Much like Xiaomi and Samsung, Vivo goes for a price increment on most demanding smartphones, peculiarly in the entry to the lower-midrange category. Here’s a list of Vivo mobile phones with their respective maximum retail price in Nepal as of June 2020 including the ones receiving the price increment.