KATHMANDU: Total foreign exchange reserves, which stood at NPR 2,041.10 billion at the end of Asar 2081, rose by 23.1% to NPR 2,512.95 billion by the end of Baisakh 2082.

A report released by Nepal Rastra Bank on Tuesday shows that foreign exchange reserves rose by 20.5%, increasing from USD 15.27 billion to USD 18.40 billion.

Of the total, Nepal Rastra Bank held reserves worth NPR 2,211.11 billion, up 19.6% from NPR 1,848.55 billion in Asar 2081.

Commercial banks and financial institutions (excluding NRB) held NPR 301.83 billion, up 56.8% from NPR 192.55 billion. Indian currency made up 21.2% of the total reserves as of Baisakh-end 2082.