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 Surges 64.67 Points on Final Trading Day, Turnover Hits Rs 21 Billion

On the final trading day of the week, Thursday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 64.67 points, closing at 2877.02, up 2.29 percent. The Sensitive Index gained 11.62 points to 494.19, a 2.40 percent increase. Trading remained open for four days this week, with Wednesday closed for Ghode Jatra. NEPSE had fallen 26.07 points on Monday but rose 4.45 on Sunday and 13.51 on Tuesday. A total of 56,920,608 shares of 342 companies were traded through 191,251 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 21.223 billion. Share prices of 240 companies increased, 22 declined, and 2 remained unchanged, with all 13 sector indices posting gains.

Edible Oil Prices Surge by Rs 50 Per Liter

Retail prices for edible oil in the country have surged by Rs 40 to Rs 50 per liter, with industry players citing the West Asia conflict as the cause. Sunflower oil, previously sold at Rs 260, has reached Rs 300 per liter. However, the Wholesale Trade Association criticized the hike as irresponsible, noting that raw materials often arrive from Malaysia and Singapore rather than the conflict zone. While the government-owned Food Management and Trading Company continues to sell soybean oil at Rs 240, the Department of Commerce has intensified monitoring to penalize companies creating artificial shortages or engaging in price-fixing.

Middle East Tensions Drive Mustard Oil Prices Up in Morang

The raw material shortage caused by Middle East tensions has spiked mustard prices in the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor. Local miller Bijay Baral reported that mustard costs have risen to Rs 6,500 per maund at the farm, reaching Rs 7,000 upon delivery. Industry leaders, including Anil Sharda, noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal have hindered shipments of crude soybean and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, and Ukraine. Consequently, production costs for sunflower oil have increased by Rs 25 per liter, while soybean and mustard oil have risen by Rs 15 per liter, impacting both industrial supply and local retail prices.

Bardibas Railway Project Halted Over Compensation Dispute

Construction of the East-West Railway has been suspended in the Bardibas Municipality area due to an ongoing compensation dispute involving 14 local landowners. While rail services currently operate from Jaynagar, India, to Bhangaha, Mahottari, the extension toward Bardibas remains stalled. The Department of Railways reportedly owes between Rs 70 million and Rs 80 million to the affected residents. Despite repeated requests to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport for fund release, victims claim their warnings were ignored, leading them to forcibly halt construction to demand their rightful payments.

Local Unit Provides Relief to Windstorm Victims

Pauwadungma Rural Municipality in Bhojpur has decided to provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by a recent severe windstorm. Following a field inspection of the damage caused on the evening of March 16, Chairman Kiran Rai announced that each affected household will receive Rs 20,000. Chief Administrative Officer Nabin Bhattarai confirmed that nine families, primarily those with mud-bonded or tin-roofed houses, suffered significant losses. The local government emphasized its responsibility to support citizens during natural disasters and has accelerated the distribution process to ensure families can begin necessary repairs immediately.

Windstorm Destroys Rs 500 Million Worth of Banana Crops in Nijgadh

A severe windstorm on March 15 destroyed banana plantations worth over Rs 500 million in Nijgadh Municipality. The disaster affected 400 farmers across nine wards, flattening crops on 73.144 hectares of land. Hira Thapa Magar, coordinator of the Banana Zone Committee, reported that while insured farmers on registered land may receive Rs 245 per plant, those farming on unregistered land face total financial ruin without insurance coverage. Senior Agricultural Officer Rambalam Prasad Sah stated that final damage assessments are ongoing, noting that over 40 percent of the total plantation area in the zone was impacted.

Nepal Telecom Expands Prepaid Roaming to 62 Countries

Nepal Telecom has expanded its prepaid roaming services to 62 countries through agreements with 89 international telecommunications providers. Since mid-July 2025, the service has been extended to nations including Australia, Turkey, Taiwan, and Romania. Travelers can now access voice, data, and SMS services across various regions, including China, India, the USA, and the UAE. To activate the service for India, customers can dial *14157#. Postpaid users require a minimum balance of Rs 5,000. The company believes this expansion will significantly benefit citizens traveling abroad by allowing them to maintain their local numbers for essential communications.

KMC Opens Free Parking at Dharhara Complex

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has commenced free parking services at the Dharhara area for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Following a February 21 Cabinet decision, the responsibility for managing the facility was handed over to the metropolis. City Police Chief Bishnu Prasad Joshi stated that the basement can accommodate 702 motorcycles and 262 cars across two levels. The facility is open for entry from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with all vehicles required to exit by 8:00 PM. The area is equipped with CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, and specialized ventilation for safety.

Mechi Customs Collects Rs 11.58 Billion in 8 Months

The Mechi Customs Office collected Rs 11.58 billion in revenue during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (July 17, 2025, to March 14, 2026). This achievement represents 96.06 percent of the target set for the period ending March 14. In one month from mid-February to mid-March alone, revenue reached Rs 1.658 billion, exceeding the monthly target by over 10 percent. Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain detailed that major contributions came from Rs 4.89 billion in customs duties and Rs 4.20 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT).

Local Unit Intensifies Large Infrastructure Projects

Tila Rural Municipality in Jumla has accelerated the implementation of 12 major development projects, including road expansions and embankments. Chairman Motilal Rokaya stated that contracts have been awarded for several high-value schemes, such as the Rasa-Ghodesudi-Manechaur road upgrade worth Rs 15.9 million and a river embankment project at Nauli Ghat costing Rs 13.6 million. Engineer Surendra Saud noted that while many large-scale contracted works are nearing completion, the progress of 125 smaller consumer committee-led projects has been slower, with only 15 agreements signed due to administrative delays.

Private Investment in Floriculture Sector Reaches Rs 9 Billion

Private sector investment in Nepal’s floriculture industry has reached Rs 8.83 billion, covering 270 hectares across 52 districts. Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) President Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha stated that the industry now provides employment to over 53,500 individuals. While Nepal remains dependent on imports during the Tihar festival, it has achieved self-sufficiency in other seasons. Despite export growth to Rs 21.3 million in 2024/25, entrepreneurs face challenges such as the illegal entry of plastic flowers and difficulty accessing agricultural loans. The sector currently sees an annual demand growth of 10 to 15 percent.

Company Funds Basketball Courts in Remote Raghuganga

Tundi Power Company, the developer of the Rahughat-Mangale-Chimkhola and Upper Rahughat hydropower projects, has funded the construction of basketball facilities in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-6. Under its corporate social responsibility program, the company provided approximately Rs 4 million for sports infrastructure. Specifically, Rs 2.5 million was utilized to construct a permanent concrete court in Raikhor, while Rs 1.4 million supported the reconstruction of the playground in Kotgaun. Ward Chairman Kumar Sherpunja noted that these facilities aim to promote local sports and provide better recreational spaces for the youth in the project-affected areas.

Dhauligad Drinking Water Project Worth Rs 1.26 Billion Stalls Over Equipment Approvals

The Rs 1.26 billion Dhauligad Drinking Water Project in Jumla remains incomplete five years after its initiation. Although physical progress has reached approximately 80 percent, the project is stalled due to the lack of Department of Water Supply approval for purchasing specialized pre-insulated pipes. These pipes are essential for the source area located at an altitude of 4,000 meters to prevent water from freezing. Site engineers noted that despite four requests since the fiscal year 2023/24, the department has not authorized the Rs 40 million procurement, leaving nearly 60,000 residents without the promised “one house, one tap” service.

Gandaki Province Invests Rs 14 Million in Myagdi Tourism

The Gandaki Province government has allocated Rs 14 million for 24 tourism infrastructure projects in Myagdi this fiscal year. According to the Integrated Service Office in Beni, three projects, including the Narchyang Waterfall infrastructure and the Galeshwar-Bagaincha trekking trail, are already complete. Remaining schemes, such as the Chimkhola-Kali Barah and Khivang-Chechung trails, are in various stages of design and construction. These projects, often receiving between Rs 500,000 and Rs 1 million each, aim to enhance trekking routes and religious sites like the Prabhuchela Dhyanashram across the district’s rural municipalities.

Baglung Upgrades Eleven Road Projects Worth Rs 495.4 Million

The Baglung Road Division Office is currently upgrading 11 (11) road projects across the district with a total investment of Rs 495.4 million. Individual projects range in cost from Rs 20 million to Rs 250 million. The largest undertaking, the Harichaur-Malm-Pandavkhani road, has reached 70 percent physical progress. Other major works include the Pakhute-Bayokhola section at 55 percent progress and the Dullebesi-Amarpuri road at 60 percent. Division Chief Hari Subedi noted that while most contracts were signed in the fiscal year 2024/25, several projects are now entering the final blacktopping stages.

Nagdhunga Tunnel Management Selection Enters Final Phase

The selection of an international company to manage the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel is nearing completion. Deputy Project Director Sanjay Panthi announced that financial bids from seven technically qualified companies, primarily from China and India, will be opened this week. The selected firm will sign a five-year contract to oversee 24-hour security, maintenance, and emergency rescues. Built with a Rs 16.469 billion loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Rs 6 billion from the Nepal government, the 2.68 km tunnel aims to reduce travel time and fuel costs for vehicles entering the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal and Germany Launch 220 KV Transmission Line Project

Nepal Electricity Authority and the German government have laid the foundation stone for the Lekhnath-Damauli 220 KV transmission line. The project, co-financed through Germany’s KfW Development Bank, involves constructing a 45 km double-circuit line and modern gas-insulated substations. Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya and German Ambassador Udo Volz attended the ceremony at the Damauli substation. With a capacity of 1,000 MW, this infrastructure will facilitate the transmission of energy from the Tanahu Hydropower Project. The collaboration also includes technical support for municipal energy planning in Pokhara and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations to reduce fossil fuel dependency.

International Bids Invited for Ghorusinghe-Chandrauta Road Expansion

The Department of Roads has invited international bids for the expansion of the 19.2 km Gorusinghe-Chandrauta section of the East-West Highway. Part of the Asian Highway initiative, this Rs 13.556 billion project is funded by a World Bank soft loan. Deputy Director General Arjun Aryal noted that the section will feature six lanes in urban areas and four lanes elsewhere, including eight (8) new bridges and seven animal underpasses. Interested firms must apply by May 4. Currently, the broader Butwal-Gorusinghe-Chandrauta stretch has reached 22.25 percent physical progress since construction began in 2024.

Baitadi Establishes Office for Second National Economic Census

The Economic Census Office has been established in Baitadi to prepare for the second National Economic Census. District Officer Dharmananda Giri stated that internal preparations and staff selection will be completed this month. Starting April 15, at least 16 enumerators and three supervisors will be deployed across the district until June 21. The census aims to collect detailed data on industrial production, employment, and investment across private and public sectors. This statistical initiative is vital for measuring the district’s economic health and will provide a comprehensive count of businesses, cooperatives, and trade establishments operating within the region.

27th Flora Expo Commences at Bhrikutimandap

The 27th Flora Expo began at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu on Thursday. Organized by the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN), the four-day event features 83 stalls showcasing seasonal flowers, decorative plants, and modern farming tools. Organizers estimate a turnover of Rs 12 million with approximately 60,000 visitors expected by Sunday. The exhibition aims to promote market expansion and professional development within the sector. Entry fees are set at Rs 100 for students and Rs 150 for the general public, featuring competitions across various categories, including landscaping and floral arrangement.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline Today

Prices of gold and silver declined in the local market on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold dropped by Rs 5,400 per tola (11.66 grams) compared to the previous trading day. Gold, which was traded at Rs 302,300 per tola on Wednesday, is now being traded at Rs 307,700 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has decreased by Rs 140 per tola today. According to the federation, silver is being traded at Rs 5,010 per tola today. On Wednesday, silver was traded at Rs 5,150 per tola.