KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Here’s a concise update on key market movements, policy developments, and financial trends shaping the economy:

Stock Market to Remain Closed for a Week Due to Dashain Holidays

The share market will remain closed for a week due to the Dashain holidays. The market will stay shut until Saturday and will reopen only on the following Sunday after Dashain. In the last trading session before Dashain, the market rose by 11.51 points, bringing the market index to 2,663.51 points. The total turnover today amounted to Rs 2.93 billion. Among the market sectors, ten indices rose while three declined. The largest drop of 1.28 percent occurred in the Trading group.

Nepal’s Public Debt Reaches Rs 2.743 Trillion

By September 16, 2025, Nepal’s outstanding public debt had reached Rs 2.743 trillion. This equals 44.92% of the country’s GDP. By the end of July 16, 2025, the figure was Rs 2.674 trillion. Of the total outstanding debt, domestic debt stood at Rs 1.282 trillion (20.99% of GDP), while external debt stood at Rs 1.461 trillion (23.93% of GDP), according to the Public Debt Management Office.

Rs 120 Billion in Bank Loans Affected by Gen Z Unrest

Around Rs 120 billion worth of loans from banks and financial institutions were affected by the protests and vandalism on September 8–9. Data jointly compiled by Nepal Rastra Bank and umbrella organizations of banks and financial institutions show that loans equivalent to this amount were impacted. Sources said that more than 95% of the affected loans belonged to commercial banks.

Budget Cuts Hit Highway Maintenance

The government is cutting the budget even for highway maintenance. It has become difficult to clear landslides. Experts say the problem has arisen because the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission have allocated funds to petty projects to please lawmakers instead of prioritizing national highways. According to Schedules 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the Constitution, highways fall under the sole responsibility of the federal government.

Insurance Claims from Gen Z Protests Reach Rs 23.39 Billion

The insurance claims for damages caused by the Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, have reached Rs 23.39 billion. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, claims are still being reported. So far, 594 claims have been filed under property insurance, 2,209 under motor insurance, 144 under engineering and contract risk insurance, 11 under transport insurance, and 30 under other categories.

NRB Seeks Rental Residence for Governor

Nepal Rastra Bank is going to rent a house as an official residence for Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel. For this purpose, the bank issued a public notice today, September 28, inviting proposals. The notice mentions that the house should be located in an area from Bakhundol to Bhaisepati in Lalitpur, built on land of at least 16 aanas to 24 aanas. The house must have parking space for at least six cars and jeeps, be constructed on at least 10,000 square feet of plinth area with RCC structure, and include four bedrooms.

NEA Sets Deadline for Outstanding Payments

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has set a deadline of November 3 to clear outstanding payments for electricity consumption through dedicated feeders and trunk lines. According to a public notice issued today, the deadline covers unpaid electricity bills from January 2016 to May 2018. The authority has also made provisions for consumers who wish to pay the outstanding amount in installments, allowing a maximum of 28 monthly installments.

Tax Relief Plan for Gen Z Affected Businesses

The government has introduced a special scheme targeting the private sector affected by the Gen-Z movement. The Ministry of Finance has made special provisions for tax exemptions. According to the ministry, affected businesses will get a 50% exemption on customs duties when importing buildings, furniture, machinery, and equipment. However, the list specifying which items will get this exemption has not yet been prepared. Because of this, private-sector entrepreneurs believe that even goods produced in Nepal could receive such exemptions.

NEA Approves PPAs for 24 Solar Projects (355 MW)

The Nepal Electricity Authority has approved Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with 24 solar projects. Newly appointed Executive Director Manoj Silwal has given final approval to the PPAs for projects totaling 355 MW. Although the process had reached its final stage during the tenure of Kulman Ghising.

Nepalis Abroad Facing Visa and Service Challenges

In recent times, several countries have started to restrict visa issuance, creating problems for Nepalis living there. In addition, non-Nepali nationals have been using fake passports to enter various countries, while Nepali migrant workers have been involved in protests and unrest in destination countries. Rescue efforts have been difficult during wars and conflicts. Furthermore, reduced budgets for Nepali embassies abroad have affected services, pushing Nepali citizens overseas into further trouble.

Loan Restructuring Relief for Businesses Affected by Gen Z Movement

The government has decided to provide loan restructuring and rescheduling facilities to entrepreneurs and businesses who suffered losses during the Gen Z protests on September 8–9. On Friday, September 26, Nepal Rastra Bank instructed banks and financial institutions to implement this provision. According to the directive, affected industries, businesses, enterprises, and borrowers can access the facility until January 13, 2026.

MCC Transmission Line Contract Awarded

A contract agreement has been signed for the construction of the 117 km, 400 kV Lapsiphedi–Ratmate–New Hetauda transmission line under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant and Nepal’s investment. On Friday, September 26, Millennium Challenge Account (MCA-Nepal) signed the contract with Ashish–Bozlar Joint Venture. Ashish is a Nepali company, while Bozlar is Indian. This is the second MCC project contract awarded to a company with Nepali involvement.

Dashain Airfare Concerns: Airlines Pledge to Stay Below Maximum Rates

During every Dashain, complaints arise about higher airfare on flights taken out of necessity or for emergency services. Ordinary citizens face higher expenses, adding to their financial stress. The Airlines Operators Association has announced that airlines will operate flights below the maximum fares set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Airlines have also requested their companies to issue tickets at less than the maximum rate. However, airlines argue that due to one-way passenger flow during Dashain, fares are comparatively higher than at other times.

Nepal Airlines Starts Direct Flights to Guangzhou

The national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines, has started direct flights to Guangzhou, China. The airline began regular Kathmandu–Guangzhou–Kathmandu flights on Saturday, September 27. Nepal Airlines had earlier planned to start the service on Thursday, September 25, but due to some technical shortcomings, the inaugural flight was conducted only on Saturday afternoon.

Route Fixed to Summit Mt. Dhaulagiri

The route to the summit of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), the world’s seventh-highest peak, has been fixed. Mt. Dhaulagiri lies in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4 of Myagdi district. During the ongoing autumn season, a team of four Sherpas reached the summit after fixing the route.

Exports Worth Rs 3 Billion from Kakarbhitta in Two Months

Goods worth Rs 3.06 billion were exported through the Kakarbhitta border point in the first two months of FY 2025/26. According to the Mechi Customs Office, the exported goods were worth Rs 3.86 billion in the same period last year, marking a decline of about 21%. The office stated that large cardamom is the most exported item from this border.

Birauta Bus Park Project Left Idle in Bhirkot Municipality

A bus park built seven years ago in Sisaughari, Bhirkot Municipality-1, has been left unused. To manage the growing urbanization, the municipality had leased 15 ropanis of land from locals and constructed the bus park. However, it has not been used. The agreement included conditions such as paying rent, permission for building temporary structures, and no claims by landowners on parking fees. But the project has remained limited to paper until now.

Himalayan Securities to Distribute 8% Cash Dividend

Himalayan Securities Limited will distribute an 8% cash dividend to its shareholders. The company’s 5th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, September 25, passed the proposal to distribute an 8% cash dividend (including tax) from paid-up capital. The AGM also discussed and endorsed the board’s annual report, the financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow statement), and other reports for FY 2024/25.

Muktinath Capital Approves 9% Cash Dividend

Muktinath Capital Limited has approved a 9% cash dividend. The company’s 16th Annual General Meeting held on Friday, September 26, passed the board’s proposal. The AGM also endorsed the balance sheet, profit and loss account, and cash flow statement for FY 2024/25, and appointed NBSM & Associates, Chartered Accountants, as the auditor for FY 2025/26.

IPO Allotment of Sagar Distillery Completed

The IPO allotment of Sagar Distillery has been completed. Out of all general applicants, 119,160 individuals received shares. Every applicant received 10 units of shares each. A total of 2,193,823 people had applied for the IPO, demanding 23,882,210 shares in total.

Gold Price Reaches Record High of Rs 223,200 per Tola

On Sunday, gold reached Rs 223,200 per tola, which is the highest price recorded so far, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association. According to the federation, hallmark gold reached Rs 191,360 per 10 grams on Sunday. Earlier, on the last trading day of the week, Friday, gold stood at Rs 222,500 per tola.