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 Slips Slightly as Turnover Reaches Rs 7.499 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange edged down 1.64 points on Wednesday, settling at 2,681.50, a 0.06 percent decline. The Sensitive Index fell 0.70 points to 456.00. Four companies hit the positive circuit. A total of 16.68 million shares of 326 companies were traded through 80,422 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 7.499 billion. Of 13 traded groups, seven advanced and six declined. Finance, hydropower, trading, development banks, hotel and tourism, investment, and non-life insurance gained, while commercial banks, life insurance, manufacturing, microfinance, mutual funds, and others posted losses. Prices rose for 113 companies, fell for 134, and remained unchanged for 13.

NRB Collects Rs 20 Billion in Deposits

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) successfully conducted a deposit collection auction for Rs 20 billion today to manage excess liquidity in the banking system. The bidding process concluded at 3:00 PM, allowing banks and financial institutions to submit electronic bids in multiples of Rs 50 million with a minimum of Rs 100 million. This 63-day instrument features interest rates determined through a competitive bidding process. The central bank confirmed that the principal and interest for these deposits are scheduled for payment on April 8, prioritizing lower interest rate bids for the final allocation.

NOC Urges Consumers Not to Hoard LPG

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) CEO Chandika Prasad Bhatta requested consumers on Wednesday to stop hoarding LPG cylinders. Currently, 132 gas bullets are arriving daily, sufficient to refill 114,000 empty cylinders. This exceeds the normal rate of 85 to 90 bullet tankers per day. To ensure stability during the upcoming elections, an additional 2,000 metric tons of gas are being imported. The NOC assured that the supply situation has normalized and urged the public not to over-purchase out of fear, as sufficient stocks are being distributed to all major bottling plants.

Exporters Urge Government to Resolve Transport Delays

The Nepal Foreign Trade Association met with Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire on Tuesday to address critical shipping delays on Indian soil. General Secretary Jayant Kumar Agrawal requested more railway wagons to expedite transit and urged the revision of the Nepal-India Trade Treaty protocol to allow the import of third-country machinery parts from India. The association also demanded the immediate resumption of cash subsidies for exports and a “One-Window” policy for firm renewals. Additionally, they expressed dissatisfaction with the government reducing the cash transaction limit from Rs 1 million to Rs 500,000.

Multilateral Committee Formed to Address Transport Issues

Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma and SSP Navaraj Adhikari of Valley Police decided on Tuesday to form a multilateral coordination committee to resolve chronic transport problems. Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain stated that single-agency efforts are insufficient for managing traffic signals and road safety. Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs urged political parties to include public transport reforms in their election manifestos for the March 5 polls. Senior Vice President Punya Prasad Sitoula of the federation emphasized that the federation would only support candidates who present practical, technology-friendly plans to modernize the national transport sector and simplify import processes.

Relief Disbursed for 42 Gen Z Martyrs

The Ministry of Urban Development released funds to provide monthly pensions of Rs 21,800 to the families of 42 Gen Z protest martyrs. Spokesperson Narayan Regmi of the ministry confirmed that Rs 119 million was allocated from the Reconstruction Fund to cover payments for the next 10 years, including an annual 13th-month bonus. While 76 people died during the September 8 and 9, 2025, protests, only those formally declared martyrs, excluding prison escapees, qualify. The Ministry of Finance noted that while they did not formally sign off on the specific file, the funds were processed through existing emergency recovery channels.

71 Companies Await SEBON Approval for IPOs

A total of 71 companies are currently in the SEBON pipeline, seeking permission to issue 396,470,000 shares worth around Rs 56.136 billion. According to the Securities Registration and Issue Regulation, these firms must submit audited financial reports and project details for review. The pipeline is dominated by 34 hydropower companies aiming to raise Rs 16.424 billion. Additionally, 23 manufacturing firms, nine hotel and tourism entities, four investment companies, and three micro-insurance providers are awaiting approval. One manufacturing company has applied to issue shares at a premium price.

UAE Emerges as Top Labor Destination for Nepalis

Nearly 100,000 Nepali workers migrated to the UAE during the first six months of the current fiscal year, making it the top labor destination. According to the Department of Foreign Employment, 99,699 individuals left for the UAE by January. Saudi Arabia followed with 72,303 workers, while Qatar saw 72,247 arrivals. Interestingly, Malaysia, previously the top destination, dropped to fourth place with 46,143 workers. Experts suggest that the UAE’s investment in construction and mega-city projects, coupled with flexible visa legalization policies, has attracted more Nepali youth compared to traditional markets like Malaysia and Qatar.

Janakpur Revenue Office Exceeds Monthly Collection Target

The Inland Revenue Office Janakpur collected Rs 733.1 million in January, achieving 117 percent of its Rs 629.7 million target. Chief Tax Officer Anand Kumar Gupta reported that total revenue for the current fiscal year has reached Rs 2.333 billion, approximately 90 percent of the Rs 2.612 billion goal. Despite a reduced jurisdiction following the upgrade of the Bardibas office, collections rose by Rs 220 million compared to last year. Officials attribute this growth to tax subsidies under the Financial Act 2025 and increased economic activity.

Stakeholders Push for Domestic Product Consumption

During a welcome program organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) for the newly elected officials of the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), leaders emphasized promoting local goods. CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey highlighted the ‘Make in Nepal’ campaign and called for deep collaboration with women entrepreneurs to boost the national economy. FWEAN President Darshana Shrestha agreed that joint efforts are essential for empowering women-led businesses. The meeting, attended by CNI Director General Ghanshyam Ojha, focused on creating a strategic partnership to reduce import dependency and strengthen the market for indigenous Nepali products.

Nepal Gas Distributes 6,870 Cylinders in Kathmandu

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) released a distribution schedule for Nepal Gas across the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday. To address recent market shortages, the corporation coordinated the sale of 6,870 cylinders through 84 designated locations. NOC officials confirmed that gas import volumes have been increased to stabilize the supply chain. Consumers had previously reported difficulties in acquiring Nepal Gas brand cylinders, prompting the industry to publish specific retail details. The corporation maintains that there is no longer a deficit, as shipments from various refineries have normalized across the capital.

Deurali-Janta to Invest Rs 4.45 Billion in Chitwan

Deurali-Janta Pharmaceuticals announced the establishment of a world-class production unit in Bharatpur-16, Chitwan, with an investment of Rs 4.45 billion. During the company’s 35th anniversary on Wednesday, Executive Director Haribhakta Sharma stated that the facility would be completed within two years. The project aims to export high-quality medicines globally and is expected to generate employment for 550 individuals. Currently, the company employs 675 people and produces 296 types of medicines, including capsules and tablets. Director Suraj Bhakta Paudel noted that this project would significantly contribute to the national economy.

Bardia Records Rs 370 Million in Annual Banana Sales

Banana farmers in Bardia earned Rs 370 million this season, producing 38,000 metric tons across 750 hectares. According to the Banana Traders Association, while initial sales were slow, a government ban on Indian banana imports due to the TR4 fungus significantly boosted local demand. Prices rose from Rs 300 to Rs 500 per crate after the import restrictions. Despite some losses due to fungal issues caused by rains, the district’s Banana Zone Program continues to expand. Infrastructure such as ripening chambers and tissue culture nurseries is now being established to support the 600 farmers involved in the trade.

New Direct Bus Service Connects Beni to New Delhi

Beni Municipality Mayor Surat KC inaugurated a direct bus service from Beni, Myagdi, to New Delhi, India, on Wednesday. Operated by Modern Era Tours and Travels and Shrishti Yatayat, the 1,400-kilometer journey takes 27 hours via Syangja, Bhairahawa, and Ayodhya. Buses will depart from Beni daily at 6:45 AM and from Delhi at 4:00 PM, with a fare of Rs 5,400 from Nepal and INR 3,200 from India. This service is expected to benefit pilgrims traveling to Muktinath and Galeshwardham, as well as workers and students traveling between the two nations.

Dudhmati River Restoration Project Begins in Madhesh with Rs 110 Million

The Ministry of Energy, Irrigation, and Water Supply of Madhesh Province has launched an Rs 110 million project to restore and beautify the Dudhmati River. Acting Secretary Ram Kumar Khang stated that the first phase covers 29 kilometers from Mahendranagar, Dhanusha, to Matihani, Mahottari. The contract, awarded to Bachhaladevi JV Kathmandu, includes dam construction, ghat repairs, and road building to be completed within one year. The project, initiated under the leadership of former Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh, aims to preserve the river’s religious significance and improve irrigation facilities. The river is a prominent site for holy baths and local rituals.

SEBON Permits Apollo Hydropower to Issue IPO

The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has granted permission to Apollo Hydropower Company Limited to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company will issue 1,410,000 units of ordinary shares at a face value of Rs 100, totaling Rs 141 million. Himalayan Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue manager for the project located in Okhaldhunga. So far in the current fiscal year, SEBON has authorized 15 companies to sell shares worth Rs 6.011 billion, including nine hydropower firms and four manufacturing industries.

Gold and Silver Prices Up Again

The prices of gold and silver in the local market have gone up again today. Compared to Tuesday, the prices of both metals have risen; gold increased by Rs 14,400 per tola and silver by Rs 265 per tola. With this, the price of hallmark gold has been determined at Rs 304,700 per tola (11.66 grams), and the price of the same quantity of silver is set at Rs 5,600, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold was Rs 290,300 and that of silver Rs 5,335 per tola on Tuesday. As per the international media, one ounce (31.1035 grams) of gold is being traded at USD 5,058 and the same quantity of silver at USD 88 in the international market today.