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:

Banks to Remain Open During Tihar Holidays Except on Bhai Tika

All banks and financial institutions will remain open during the Tihar holidays except on Bhai Tika day. Nepal Rastra Bank issued a notice directing banks to remain operational for customs clearance and essential transactions. The Bank and Financial Institution Regulation Department stated that necessary banking services must remain available throughout Tihar.

Internet Providers Ordered to Get Tariff Approval Before Implementation

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to obtain prior approval for tariffs before implementing them. Following complaints of arbitrary pricing, the NTA issued a public notice reminding ISPs of the requirement under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act. The authority emphasized that all service fees charged to customers must be pre-approved.

Government to Expand Jurisdiction of Town Development Fund

The government is preparing to expand the jurisdiction of the Town Development Fund, Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising said. According to him, the Fund will be made more effective by extending its scope and investing in profitable sectors rather than keeping it inactive. While reviewing its activities, Minister Ghising suggested investing in areas such as electric public transport and charging stations.

Discount on Airfare for Senior Citizens and Differently-Abled Passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to provide airfare discounts for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by CAAN’s Director General on Sunday, with representatives of domestic airlines.
CAAN instructed all airlines to implement the agreed provisions effective immediately.

Nepalis Bought Rs 1.97 Billion Worth of Gold and Silver on Dhanteras

Data show that on Dhanteras day alone, Nepalis purchased about Rs 1.54 billion worth of 70 kilograms (6,001 tola) of gold. Similarly, around 1,500 kilograms (128,602 tola) of silver worth Rs 430.8 million were sold that day, at Rs 3,350 per tola. In total, gold and silver worth nearly Rs 1.97 billion were bought on Dhanteras. Despite rising prices, crowds filled jewelry shops in New Road, Bishalbazar, Baneshwor, and Koteshwor.

Electricity Demand Expected to Drop During Tihar

Electricity demand is expected to decline during the Tihar festival, as most industrial areas will remain closed, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Electricity consumption during Tihar has shown a declining trend in recent years. In earlier years, household consumption used to increase during Tihar, but now, since industries, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses close during the holidays, overall electricity demand is expected to fall.

Industrialists File Complaint Against NEA Over Trunk Line Payment Dispute

Industrialists have filed applications at the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), refusing to pay dues amid a dispute over dedicated and trunk lines, claiming the judicial process was hijacked to extort money.
They submitted letters to respective distribution centers stating they cannot pay under the current circumstances. Although the industrialists had sought administrative review, no decision was made, and after Kulman Ghising became Energy Minister, the review process was annulled.

4.71 Lakh Metric Tons of Chemical Fertilizer Tendered So Far

Out of the government’s target to import 600,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer for this fiscal year, tenders worth 471,300 metric tons have been called so far. The government clarified that arrangements have been made to ensure smooth fertilizer supply to farmers. A total budget of Rs 28.82 billion has been allocated for fertilizer import.

No Harmful Substances Found in Sweets During Tihar Inspection

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control found no use of inedible substances in sweets during its Tihar market inspection.
Using mobile food lab vans, the department tested sweets from 40 major shops, including Rameshwar and Aangan, across the Valley.
No artificial or harmful colors were found in the tested samples, the department reported.

Over 1,500 Electric Vehicles Enter Nepal Through Korala Border

A total of 1,538 electric vehicles have entered Nepal through the Korala border point in Mustang within about one and a half months of its operation. Clothes, shoes, and slippers are also being imported via the same checkpoint. Meanwhile, the Rasuwagadhi border point has remained closed since July. Goods that used to come from there are now entering Nepal through Korala. Similarly, the Tatopani checkpoint in Sindhupalchok was closed for a long time after landslides on the Kodari section of the Araniko Highway. Because both Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani borders remained closed for months, most Dashain goods were imported through Korala.

Mechi Customs Office Collects 95 Percent of Revenue Target in First Quarter

The Mechi Customs Office has achieved 95 percent of its revenue collection target in the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2025/26.
Located at the eastern border point of Kakarbhitta, the office had set a target to collect Rs 4.36 billion in revenue but succeeded in collecting Rs 4.15 billion, according to Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain.

Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog Trail Gaining Popularity Among Youth

The Annapurna Base Camp and Maurice Herzog trekking routes have become popular among youth for their short distance and access to mountains, lakes, waterfalls, unique geography, and wildlife.
Named in honor of French climber Maurice Herzog, who summited Annapurna in 1950, the trail has been in operation since 2023.
With increasing tourist flow, locals in areas like Humkhola and Sanghikharka have opened temporary hotels and tents.

Bhojpur’s Akabare Chili Farming Becomes National Learning Center

Commercial Akabare chili farming in Pauwadungma Rural Municipality of Bhojpur has become a model and learning center for farmers and agriculture experts nationwide. Farmers here have achieved remarkable income using advanced technology, attracting visitors from other districts. Around 400 hectares of land are under Akabare chili cultivation, involving nearly 900 farmers.

Fish Production in Rupa Lake Drops by 20,000 Kilograms

Fish production in Kaski’s Rupa Lake has declined. According to the Rupa Lake Restoration and Fisheries Cooperative, production has dropped by about 20,000 kilograms compared to last year.
The cooperative, active in lake conservation for 24 years, produced 40,085 kg of various fish species last year but only 21,910 kg this year.

Banke Farmers Busy Harvesting Rice Using Modern Machines

Farmers in Banke are busy harvesting rice using modern machinery. The fields are active with cutting, carrying, and threshing activities.
With the end of the monsoon and favorable weather, farmers have accelerated harvesting to prevent losses. Fear of losing their year-long effort has kept farmers busy from early morning until evening.

Large Cardamom Price Rises to Rs 88,000 per 40 KG in Taplejung

The price of large cardamom (Alaichi) in Taplejung has surged to Rs 88,000 per man (40 kg) after Dashain, up from Rs 80,000 earlier.
Local traders said prices have risen by Rs 8,000 per man over the past one and a half weeks.

Golchha Group’s Hulas Steel Records Rs 12.73 Billion in Trade Last Fiscal Year

Hulas Steel Industries, part of the Golchha family, recorded trade worth nearly Rs 12.73 billion in the last fiscal year. The company’s trade volume for fiscal year 2024/25 reached Rs 12.73 billion and Rs 40 million. It had recorded Rs 12.71 billion in fiscal year 2023/24, Rs 12.07 billion in fiscal year 2022/23, Rs 15.25 billion in fiscal year 2021/22, Rs 11.38 billion in fiscal year2020/21, and Rs 6.08 billion in fiscal year 2019/20.

Luxury Hotel ‘The Oberoi Kathmandu’ to Be Built in Ravibhawan

A luxurious hotel with an investment exceeding Rs 7 billion will be built in Ravibhawan, Kathmandu. Siprabhya Hotel and Resort Pvt. Ltd. is constructing the luxury hotel under the ‘The Oberoi Kathmandu’ brand with a total investment of Rs 7.12 billion. The hotel will include 75 luxury rooms with high-end facilities.

Grameen Bikas and Samaj Microfinance Begin Unified Operations After Merger

Grameen Bikas Microfinance Financial Institution Limited, headquartered in Butwal, and Samaj Microfinance Financial Institution Limited of Sarlahi have started joint operations after completing their merger process. The integrated financial transactions formally began today (Sunday). After the merger, the total capital of the unified institution has reached Rs 1 billion. Earlier, Grameen Bikas Microfinance had a capital of Rs 980 million and Samaj Microfinance Rs 20 million.

Gold Price Rises by Rs 300 per Tola in Nepal

The price of gold in Nepal increased by Rs 300 per tola on Monday. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association set the gold rate at Rs 2,53,500 per tola, up from Rs 2,53,200 the previous day. Silver prices also saw a slight rise of Rs 5 per tola. The price of silver was fixed at Rs 3,280 per tola on Monday, compared to Rs 3,275 per tola the day before.