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 Gains 10.30 Points as Turnover Rebounds

The Nepal Stock Exchange rose 10.30 points, or 0.39 percent, on Wednesday to close at 2,648.90, with turnover also increasing from the previous day. The Sensitive Index gained 1.20 points to 454.57. A total of 10.45 million shares of 333 companies were traded through 48,640 transactions, amounting to Rs 4.451 billion, up from Tuesday’s Rs 4.232 billion. Of the 13 groups, 10 advanced. Life insurance led with a 1.79 percent rise, while trading fell 0.89 percent. Share prices of 157 companies increased, 90 declined, and 13 remained unchanged.

NRB Absorbed Rs 40 Billion Excess Liquidity Today

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) absorbed Rs 40 billion from the banking system on Wednesday through a deposit collection instrument to manage excess liquidity. This 88-day instrument, maturing on May 24, was open to Class A, B, and C financial institutions. Total deposits in the system had already exceeded Rs 7.7 trillion. In the second quarter of 2025/26, the central bank absorbed a net Rs 28.699 trillion through various tools, including Rs 1.425 trillion via bidding, significantly higher than the previous year’s Rs 13.999 trillion.

NRB Expands Sectoral Loan Scope to Include Tourism and IT

In the semi-annual review of the 2025/26 monetary policy, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) expanded its sectoral loan mandate to include tourism, information technology, and export-oriented industries using domestic raw materials. These sectors join agriculture, energy, and SMEs in the mandatory lending list. While keeping the bank rate at 5.75% and the policy rate at 4.25%, the central bank eased working capital loan guidelines, allowing borrowers to maintain up to 30% of their outstanding balance, up from 10%. Currently, the banking system holds Rs 7.749 trillion in deposits but only Rs 5.8 trillion in loans, highlighting slow credit expansion in the private sector.

Eastern Border Imports Rs 11.522 Billion Worth of Petroleum

During the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, petroleum products worth Rs 11.522 billion were imported through the Kakarbhitta border point. According to Customs Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagai, this is an increase of Rs 602 million compared to the same period in 2024/25. Revenue collection from these imports rose by 6.70%, totaling Rs 5.634 billion. The imports included 62,932 kiloliters of petrol valued at Rs 5.534 billion and 40,352 kiloliters of diesel worth Rs 3.812 billion.

Country Imports Over 400K Tons of Chemical Fertilizer

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reported that 471,511 metric tons of chemical fertilizer were imported between July 17, 2025, and February 12, 2026. This includes 278,773 tons of urea and 175,150 tons of DAP. With a total purchase target of 600,000 metric tons for the fiscal year, the government has allocated Rs 28.821 billion. Furthermore, Krishi Samagri Company has invited tenders for an additional 60,000 tons to support the upcoming paddy season, utilizing an Rs 20 billion budget guarantee from the Ministry of Finance for the next fiscal year.

Cabinet Approves Treatment Expenses, Compensation for Security Personnel

The government has announced that it will cover all medical expenses for security personnel and election police injured during the March 5 elections. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated that if any personnel lose their lives during duty, their dependent families will receive financial assistance as compensation. Additionally, the cabinet decided to waive taxes on the Kathmandu Ring Road improvement project (from Kalanki to Basundhara) supported by China. The government also authorized Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki to attend the 21st Interpol Annual Heads of NCB Conference in France from April 8 to 10.

Govt. Approves Rs 374 Billion Budhigandaki Funding Model

The Council of Ministers approved the financial investment framework for the 1,200-megawatt Budhigandaki Hydropower Project on February 24. The project’s base cost is estimated at Rs 374 billion, with a funding structure of 30% equity and 70% debt. The government will provide Rs 97.47 billion in equity and Rs 150 billion in concessional loans, including 50% of the infrastructure tax collected on petroleum products. An additional Rs 104 billion will be raised through loans from financial institutions like the Employees Provident Fund. The project, spanning Dhading and Gorkha, is slated for completion within eight years.

Govt. to Create National O&M Standards to Curb Excessive Staffing

The federal government is preparing a national Organization and Management (O&M) standard to prevent federal, provincial, and local levels from creating redundant employee positions based on access rather than necessity. A task force led by Joint Secretary Prakash Dahal has been formed to define objective criteria for staffing based on workload and service delivery. Currently, 38 unnecessary offices have been abolished, and 332 positions cut to reduce the state’s financial burden. Former Secretary Suresh Adhikari noted that the lack of uniform standards has led to arbitrary hiring, increasing long-term economic liabilities across all three tiers of government.

Life Insurance Companies Collect Over Rs 1 Billion in 7 Months

Fourteen life insurance companies in Nepal collected a total premium of Rs 1.11 billion during the first seven months (July 17, 2025, and February 12, 2026) of the current fiscal year. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority, this represents a 16.43% growth compared to the Rs 95.386 billion collected in the same period last year. Nepal Life Insurance led the market with Rs 29.596 billion, while National Life Insurance followed with Rs 13.311 billion. Notably, the Rastriya Life Insurance Company saw the highest growth at 93.89%, reaching Rs 7.611 billion in total premiums collected by February 12.

Country Receives Rs 65.53 Billion in External Loans in 7 Months

The country received Rs 65.53 billion in external loans during the first seven months (July 17, 2025, and February 12, 2026) of fiscal year 2025/26, marking a 6% improvement over the previous year. According to the Public Debt Management Office, internal debt collection reached Rs 1.78 billion, which is 49.19% of the annual target. The country’s total public debt has reached Rs 2.735 trillion, accounting for 45.95% of the GDP. External debt alone stands at Rs 1.416 trillion. Officials noted that delays in project completion and exchange rate fluctuations caused a loss of Rs 70.68 billion.

Govt. Accepts USD 4 Million Chinese Grant for Upcoming Elections

The Council of Ministers, led by Government Spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, has decided to accept a proposed cash grant of USD 4 million from the Chinese government to support the House of Representatives elections. In a meeting held on Monday, the government also approved the financial investment framework for the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project as outlined in the annual budget. Furthermore, a three-day nationwide public holiday was declared from March 4 to March 6 to facilitate the voting process scheduled for March 5.

NEA Seeks Bids to Export 500 MW and Import 200 MW of Electricity

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has invited proposals to export 500 megawatts of electricity to India from 2026 to 2030 and import 200 megawatts for 2027-2028. For exports, the minimum rate is set at INR 5.45 per unit. Currently, Nepal is importing an average of 500 megawatts daily via the India Energy Exchange to meet winter demand. While past bids were cancelled due to unfavorable rates, NEA is now seeking an integrated deal to maximize profit. Proposals must be submitted by April 9. NEA also noted that PTC India is currently supplying 180 megawatts at INR 6.95 per unit through a five-month agreement.

NEA Spends Rs 6.5 Million to Electrify Manika Dham

The Mahendranagar Electricity Distribution Center of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has extended regular electricity service to the Manika Dham religious site in Shuklaphanta-8 for the first time. The project, costing approximately Rs 6.5 million, involved installing 82 electric poles and a transformer over a five-kilometer stretch from Mudka to Dharapani. Ward Chairman Ramesh Bahadur Air noted that the electrification has illuminated the temple premises and a newly built prayer hall, facilitating evening worship and festivals. The timing is crucial, as thousands of devotees from Nepal and India are expected for the traditional fair on February 25 and February 26.

Department Fines 1, Warning to 19 Firms

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified market monitoring following complaints of black marketing and consumer fraud during the ongoing election period. During an inspection of 20 firms on Wednesday, the department fined JS General Store in Kuleshwor Rs 10,000 under the Consumer Protection Act 2018. While the other 19 firms received corrective instructions, the department clarified that legal action was taken against the store for significant irregularities. The monitoring was conducted in the presence of local representatives and consumer rights activists to ensure market transparency and protect the public from artificial price hikes.

Karnali Province Secures Budget for 7 Major Infrastructure Projects

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning in Karnali has ensured funding for 92 out of 109 proposed infrastructure projects. Key approvals include Rs 159.9 million for the Gamgadhi-Talcha road and Rs 151.9 million for the Hatan-Sinja road in Jumla. Additionally, Rs 54.6 million was allocated for a motorable bridge over Ghari Khola in Rukum Paschim. Spokesperson Subedi also reported that the province collected Rs 195.5 million in revenue from the transport sector over seven months, despite system issues following the Gen Z protests. Several suspension bridge projects in Dolpa and Rukum Paschim were also funded.

Naubise-Nagdhunga Road Expansion Reaches 85% Completion

The expansion of the Naubise-Nagdhunga road section in Dhading has reached 85% completion, with major structural works expected to finish within 35 days. Project Chief Keshav Prasad Ojha stated that the first package involves 12.5 kilometers of road and two bridges. While most work is done, the third layer of blacktopping and an overhead bridge at Khanikhola remain. Despite challenges like the upcoming parliamentary elections and settlement disputes at Khanikhola, construction is gaining momentum. Once the main structures are finalized, the project will move to installing safety signs, railings, and final painting. The road is a vital artery for supplies entering the Kathmandu Valley.

World Bank Funded 3 Roads in Baglung Completed

The completion of blacktopping on 12.2 kilometers of rural roads in Baglung Municipality has significantly improved local transportation after 26 years of the tracks being opened. The project, funded by a World Bank grant of Rs 480 million, covered the Mulpani-Titaure (8.5 km), Odarchaur-Dhodeni (2.5 km), and Ganeshghumti-Nirayghat (1.5 km) sections. Mayor Basanta Kumar Shrestha stated that the improved infrastructure connects wards 1, 4, and 7, reducing travel time to the main market from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes. Local residents, previously troubled by dust and mud, noted that the new roads will facilitate the marketing of local agricultural products and improve overall living standards.

Karnali Government Ensures Rs 160 Million for Gamgadhi-Talcha Road

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure of Karnali Province has secured Rs 160 million for the blacktopping of the 9-kilometer Gamgadhi-Talcha road in Mugu. This critical section connects the district headquarters to the Talcha Airport and the famous Rara Lake. The project is planned as a multi-year initiative to be completed by fiscal year 2027/28. Provincial Assembly member Jit Bahadur Malla stated that this budget will end the struggle with mud and dust for tourists and locals. The Infrastructure Development Office, Mugu, has already initiated the tender process for the estimated Rs 159.9 million project.

Local Unit Invests Rs 6.9 Million for Embankment Construction

Shuklaphanta Municipality of Kanchanpur District has initiated the construction of 410 meters of embankments along the Syali River with a budget of Rs 6.9 million for the current fiscal year. Infrastructure Branch Chief Deepak Dhami reported that the project aims to protect settlements and fertile agricultural land in wards 1, 5, 6, and 12 from annual soil erosion. The contract was awarded to the New Bambadevi Private Company, with work currently progressing rapidly across various sections. Local residents expressed relief as the project, scheduled for completion within a month, addresses long-standing risks of flooding and land degradation that have historically threatened local livelihoods during the monsoon season.

Gandaki Public Service Commission Announces Vacancies from Level 4 to 9

The Gandaki Province Public Service Commission issued a notice on Wednesday inviting applications for various technical and non-technical positions. The recruitment drive covers ranks from the fourth level up to the ninth level. Interested Nepali citizens meeting the eligibility criteria can submit their applications by March 17 at the standard rate or until March 24 by paying a double fee. This announcement aims to fill essential administrative and technical gaps within the provincial government, providing a significant opportunity for qualified professionals and civil service aspirants in the region to enter permanent government service.

Pokhara to Host 2nd WADA Auto Show Starting March 25

The Western Automobile Dealers Association (WADA) has announced the second edition of the Wada Auto Show 2026, scheduled from March 25 to March 29 in Pokhara. Presented by the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, the event will be held at the Talbarahi Chowk sports ground in Lakeside. The show aims to showcase modern automotive technologies and facilitate vehicle sales. NADA has invited companies specializing in vehicles, spare parts, lubricants, and tires to participate. Stall bookings are open from February 24 to March 3, with management handled by Global Exposition and Management Services.

Kalinchowk Hydropower Issues IPO Worth Rs 137 Million

Kalinchowk Hydropower Company has opened its Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth Rs 137.5 million starting today. In the first phase, the company is offering 550,000 shares worth Rs 55 million to locals of Dolakha and 82,500 shares worth Rs 8.2 million to Nepali migrant workers. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 10,000 shares at Rs 100 per unit. The funds will support the 5-megawatt Sangu Khola Hydropower Project, which has a total estimated cost of Rs 1.20 billion. RBB Merchant Banking is managing the sale.

Gold Prices Remain Stable, Silver Rises Today

Gold prices in the market remained unchanged on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold was being traded at Rs 314,800 per tola (11.66 grams) on Wednesday, the same rate as Tuesday. There has been no fluctuation in gold prices over the two days. However, silver prices witnessed an increase. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,585 per tola on Tuesday, rose to Rs 5,715 per tola on Wednesday, marking a gain of Rs 130 per tola. The domestic market continues to reflect price adjustments in line with broader market trends.