KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today.

NEPSE Drops by 27.89 Points; Majority of Shares Decline

On Wednesday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 27.89 points. The total turnover for the day reached Rs 4.12 billion with the index closing at 2,654.35 points. Out of the traded companies, 193 saw a decline in their share prices, while 53 companies experienced gains. The share prices of five companies remained unchanged.

Finance Ministry Forms Reconstruction Committee for Gen Z Protest Damages
The Ministry of Finance has formed the Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Committee 2025 to rebuild government structures damaged during the Gen Z protests of September 8–9. The committee, chaired by the finance minister, will also establish a dedicated fund to mobilize resources. It includes the finance, home, and urban development ministers, along with the government’s chief secretary as members, and the secretary of the Urban Development Ministry as member-secretary.

NRB Absorbs Rs 40 Billion Liquidity Through Deposit Collection Tool

Nepal Rastra Bank announced on Wednesday that it withdrew Rs 40 billion from the financial system for four days to manage excess liquidity. The central bank had called for online bidding from banks and financial institutions until 3 p.m. today. Despite repeated interventions, the volume of loanable funds in banks continues to rise.

Imports Surge 16.23% in First Two Months of FY 2025/26

Nepal imported goods worth Rs 305.15 billion during the first two months (mid-July to mid-September) of the current fiscal year 2025/26, a 16.23 percent rise compared to the same period last year, when imports totaled Rs 262.54 billion. According to Customs Department data published Tuesday, imports have increased for both essential and domestically producible goods, while festive demand has pushed up imports of clothing and other consumer products.

Government Bans Use of Outsourced Consultants for Routine Policy Work

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has decided that ministries and agencies may no longer hire local or foreign consultants through intermediaries for tasks that can be handled by existing staff. The decision applies to drafting bills, regulations, directives, guidelines, and procedures. Consultancy expenses for research will only be allowed if the work cannot be carried out by current staff and is certified by the responsible accounts officer.

NEPSE Executives Rescued by Police After Being Locked In by Employees

Police rescued the chairperson, CEO, and senior officials of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) after employees locked them inside the office late Tuesday night. Employees, angered by the board’s decision that went against a Labor Court order, confined the executives until past midnight. At 1 a.m., police freed them and escorted them home. Earlier, the Labor Court had ordered NEPSE to distribute bonuses from profits to employees, a directive staff say management ignored.

Government to Insure All State-Owned Physical Infrastructure

The Cabinet meeting of September 21 decided to initiate insurance coverage for all government-owned physical infrastructure. The Finance Ministry incorporated this provision into a circular issued September 23 as part of wider cost-cutting and austerity measures. The government said insurance would be part of reprioritizing projects, cutting unproductive expenses, and ensuring resources for reconstruction, maintenance, public services, elections, and economic recovery.

Consumer Committees Restricted to Projects Below Rs 1 Million

Under the Finance Ministry’s spending control drive, consumer committees will no longer be allowed to implement projects worth more than Rs 1 million. The ministry said projects above that threshold must be carried out through other mechanisms, citing misuse from splitting large projects into smaller ones to channel them through consumer committees. The new directive applies to projects funded by the federal government and those receiving fiscal transfers to provinces and local levels.

Exports Nearly Double to Rs 47.31 Billion in First Two Months of FY 2025/26

Nepal exported goods worth Rs 47.31 billion during the first two months (mid-July to mid-September) of the current fiscal year 2025/26, up 88.57 percent from Rs 25.09 billion in the same period last year, according to Customs Department figures released Tuesday.

Finance Ministry Orders Spending Cuts to Rein in Government Expenses
The Ministry of Finance has directed all government bodies to curb non-essential spending and prioritize only necessary and urgent programs for the current fiscal year. In a circular issued Tuesday, the ministry stressed that limited state resources must be used “effectively and responsibly” and outlined immediate measures to enforce financial discipline.

Government Moves to Terminate Contracts of Delayed National Pride Projects
The government is preparing to scrap contracts with contractors responsible for delays in two major national pride projects — the Sunkoshi–Marin and Bheri–Babai multipurpose schemes. Energy Minister Kulman Ghising said on Tuesday that contracts “cannot be maintained in their current form” as slow progress has stalled both projects.

Locally Made Furniture Made Mandatory in Government Offices
Newly appointed Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Anil Kumar Sinha has mandated the use of Nepali-made wooden furniture in all government offices. The move, announced Monday, has been welcomed by the Nepal Furniture and Furnishing Business Federation, which said it will strengthen local industries and reduce imports.

Public Investment to Focus Only on Profitable and Priority Projects
The government has revised its public investment policy to channel funds only into revenue-generating, aid-supported, or citizen-obligation projects. The decision, endorsed by the Cabinet on September 21, also restricts investment in financially weak public institutions that fail to pay dividends or interest.

Government Freezes New Vehicle Purchases, Directs Use of Existing Fleet
In the wake of vehicle losses during the recent Gen Z movement, the government has suspended new vehicle purchases and directed ministries to use existing vehicles from subordinate agencies. The Ministry of Finance also capped officials’ vehicle use, limiting them to one vehicle except where legally mandated.

Nepal Seeks Diplomatic Talks as Gulf States Tighten Visa Rules
With the UAE suspending visit visas and tightening work permit rules, Nepal has initiated diplomatic efforts to ease visa procedures for migrant workers. The Foreign Ministry said it is coordinating with embassies in the UAE, Malaysia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where stricter labor entry requirements have recently been imposed.

Customs to Implement Invoice-Based Valuation System

The government is rolling out an invoice-based customs duty system to replace the controversial reference value method. The Customs Department will launch the “Online Valuation Database” in Biratnagar on Wednesday as a pilot project, with plans for nationwide implementation after review. Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal is scheduled to inaugurate the system.

Ilam Tea Farmers Turn to Machines Amid Rising Labor Shortages
Facing a shortage of tea pluckers and rising wage demands, farmers in Ilam are increasingly using mechanical harvesters. Farmers say one machine can do the work of 11 laborers in a single day, significantly reducing costs. “Using machines requires only two people and boosts output,” said a grower from Suryadaya Municipality.

Jhapa Energy IPO Allotment Completed
Jhapa Energy has completed the allotment of its Initial Public Offering (IPO). Out of the applicants, 47,333 general investors received 10 units each, while 6 applicants received 11 units each. According to the company, a total of 1,833,738 individuals had applied for shares in the IPO. Altogether, applications were submitted for 19,954,830 units of shares, far exceeding the available supply.

Gold Prices Surge to Record Rs 223,000 Per Tola in Domestic Market
Gold prices set another record on Wednesday, reaching Rs 223,000 per tola in the domestic market, up from Tuesday’s Rs 221,700. Ten grams of hallmark gold was priced at Rs 191,185, while silver also posted gains the same day.