KATHMANDU: Welcome to Nepal News’ Evening Economic Brief—your go-to source on key financial updates in Nepal. Stay informed with concise insights on market trends, economic indicators, and policy shifts. Here are today’s top economic news highlights.

NEPSE Drops Below 2,800 as Turnover Hits Rs 8.09 Billion

The Nepali stock market, which had closed at 2,819 points the previous day, fell on Thursday, dropping 38.10 points to close at 2,781. The market initially showed some fluctuations and stayed above 2,800 points until around 1:30 PM, but declined further in the afternoon. Despite the fall in the index, trading turnover increased. Yesterday’s turnover was NPR 7.68 billion, while today it rose to Rs 8.09 billion. Among listed companies, 24 saw their share prices rise, whereas 227 companies experienced a decline.

Finance Minister Paudel Says Govt to Take Serious Steps to Formalize Informal Economy

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the government will seriously work to formalize the informal economy. Addressing a program organized in Kathmandu on Thursday, Minister Paudel said that the government will conduct a study for this purpose. “The issue of how we can formalize the informal economy is extremely serious. This question has been troubling us for a long time,” he said.

Nepal Exports Record 1,130 MW of Electricity Amid Rainy Season

Following increased electricity production during the rainy season, Nepal has begun exporting 1,130 megawatts of power daily. The rise in exports is attributed to higher hydropower generation, driven by government incentives for private sector participation. Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka stated that over 1,130 MW of electricity is now being exported daily to India and Bangladesh.

Nepali Consumers to Face Price Hike During Dashain and Tihar

This year, due to monsoon-related disasters, Nepali consumers will have to bear the brunt of price hikes during major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar. Because floods and landslides have almost completely blocked two major trade routes in the north, a large quantity of consumer goods that should have entered Nepal from there could not arrive, leading to higher costs for consumers during the upcoming major festivals.

Pokhara International Airport to Begin Flights to Australia via Sichuan Airlines

Flights to Australia are set to operate from Pokhara International Airport. China’s Sichuan Airlines is preparing to fly to Australia via Chengdu. For this purpose, Sichuan Airlines has sought approval from the regulatory body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. According to CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, Sichuan Airlines has requested permission for flights to Australia via Chengdu. He said that informal discussions have been held for flight permission and preparations are being made to grant approval.

Finance Minister Paudel Meets Chinese Vice Minister of Customs Administration

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel held a courtesy meeting with Wang Lingjun, Vice Minister of China’s Customs Administration. On the occasion, discussions were held on the management of customs points between Nepal and China, the reconstruction of the bridge and road at Rasuwa checkpoint damaged by floods, the upgrading of road infrastructures as agreed in the past, Nepal-China trade, and the implementation of past agreements between the two countries.

Underground Power Cable Project in Bharatpur and Pokhara Making Slow Progress

The Nepal Electricity Authority’s work to place power cables underground in the urban area of Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Pokhara’s Lakeside area has not been able to achieve expected physical progress. So far, 80 percent of the work has been completed in Bharatpur, while in Pokhara’s Kundahar and Lakeside areas, only 50 percent of the work has been completed.

Jazeera Airways and Thai AirAsia to Resume Flights at Gautam Buddha Airport

Jazeera Airways and Thai AirAsia are set to resume flights at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi. Both airlines had previously operated flights to Bhairahawa but had suspended them. Thai AirAsia is preparing to operate flights under the “winter schedule” starting from October 26. Thai plans to operate two flights per week. Similarly, Jazeera Airways also plans to operate flights during the winter season. Nepal Airlines Corporation, which had been operating regular flights from Bhairahawa, has not been able to do so for a long time.

NEA Prioritizes Pumped Storage Projects to Meet Rising Power Demand

To address the growing daily electricity demand and ensure long-term energy security, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has placed pumped storage projects at the top of its priority list. Feasibility studies of three pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of 929 MW will be completed soon, after which they will be moved forward to the construction phase. The priority projects include the 100 MW Kulekhani–Sisneri scheme, the 334 MW Syarpudaha project, and the 495 MW Hulingtar project.

Nepal to Explore Green Hydrogen Plant with South Korean Partner

Nepal Investment Board and South Korea’s G-Philos Company Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to prepare a detailed feasibility study for establishing a green hydrogen and fuel cell plant in Nepal. According to a press release by the Investment Board on Thursday, the study will be completed and submitted to the board’s office within the next ten months. The MoU was signed by Investment Board CEO Sushil Gyawali and G-Philos CEO Ga Woo Park. G-Philos had submitted a proposal on April 28 to develop, operate, and establish the plant in Nepal under a public-private partnership model.

Government Grants Customs Exemption for Military Aid from Indian Army

The Government of Nepal has decided to exempt all customs duties, tariffs, fees, and taxes on aid received from the Indian Army for the Nepal Army. Under Section 18(2) of the Economic Act, 2024, the exemption applies to medical equipment, drones, and other materials provided to the Nepal Army as a free grant from India, with a total value of Rs 103,784,384. This move ensures that the entire consignment will enter Nepal duty-free.

Kathmandu Valley’s Inflation Rate 3.77 Percent in FY 2024/25

In fiscal year 2081/82, the annual average consumer inflation rate in Kathmandu Valley stood at 3.77 percent. During the same period, the inflation rate was 4.14 percent in the Terai, 3.86 percent in the hills, and 4.89 percent in the Himalayan region. In fiscal year 2024/25, the annual average consumer price index increased by 4.40 percent in rural areas and by 3.94 percent in urban areas.

Eight Development Banks Post Rs 797 Million Profit in FY 2024/25

Eight national-level development banks reported a combined profit of Rs 7.97 billion in the fiscal year 2024/25. In the previous fiscal year 2023/24, these banks had earned Rs 5.74 billion in profit. This represents a 22.01% increase in profit compared to the prior year. The rise in profit is attributed to higher net interest income, increased fees and commission earnings, and a reduction in provisions for potential loan losses.

Agriculture Knowledge Center Promotes Maize Seed Production in Tanahun

The local Agriculture Knowledge Center has implemented a maize seed production and cultivation promotion program across 4,085 ropani of land in the district. The program was carried out during fiscal year 2024/25 through 20 farmer groups. Gopal Sharma Lamichhane, chief of the center, stated that the program has been prioritized by the Province’s Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Cooperatives.According to him, each participating group (cluster) must have at least 100 ropani of land to qualify for the program.

Nepal Tech Market Launches Advanced Smart Waste Management System

Nepal Tech Market has introduced a state-of-the-art smart waste management system, aiming to transform the traditional methods of waste handling in Nepal. The system uses artificial intelligence and the latest technology to make waste collection and management more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. According to the company, this initiative is expected to make a significant contribution toward creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

Prabhu Cable Car Signs Credit Rating Agreement for IPO

Prabhu Cable Car & Tourism Limited has entered into a credit rating agreement with Care Ratings Nepal Limited in preparation for its upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company, established with major investments from Prabhu Urja Krishi Tourism Development Limited, Prabhu Holdings & Hydro Development Company Limited, Hydro Holdings Limited, and other firms under the Prabhu Groups & Companies, formalized the deal during a program held on Thursday.

Tiger Palace by Soaltee Records Rs 420 Million Revenue in Last Fiscal Year

Tiger Palace by Soaltee recorded a business of Rs 420 million in the last fiscal year. The company, which had earned Rs 238 million in 2024, nearly doubled its income. The company, operated by Tiger One Pvt. Ltd. established in 2014, had posted a business of Rs 129 million, Rs 76 million in 2022, and Rs 16 million in 2021.

Kathmandu Marketing and Trading House Records Rs 45.38 Billion in Nine Months of Last Fiscal Year

Kathmandu Marketing and Trading House carried out business worth Rs 45.38 billion in the nine months of the last fiscal year. The company recorded Rs 58.67 billion in 2024, Rs 53.74 billion in 2023, Rs 42.22 billion in 2022, Rs 28.93 billion in 2021, and Rs 26.42 billion in 2020.

Shares of Recently IPO-Issued Himal Star Urja Company Listed on NEPSE

Shares of Himal Star Urja Company Limited, which recently issued an IPO, have been listed on NEPSE. The company, which issued 1.119 million shares to the general public, has listed a total of 3.73 million shares on NEPSE, including founder shares. The company had issued the IPO at a face value of Rs 100 per share. For the first transaction, NEPSE has set the company’s trading range from Rs 99.17 to Rs 297.51.

Swastik Microfinance IPO Allotment: 19,519 Applicants Receive 10 Shares Each

The IPO of Swastik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha has been allotted. A total of 19,519 applicants received 10 shares each. In the IPO of this company, 2,440,460 applicants had applied for a total of 20.74 million shares. The IPO allotment was carried out by Nabil Investment Banking Limited, the issue and sales manager of the microfinance company.

Gold Price Rises Further in Local Market, Nears Historic High

The price of gold has further increased in the local market. Compared to the previous day, the price of gold has risen by Rs 400 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. According to the Association, on Thursday gold was traded at Rs 199,400 per tola. On Wednesday, it was traded at Rs 199,000 per tola.