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 14 Points on Weekly Close, Turnover Tops Rs 13.16 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose 14.21 points on Thursday to close at 2,950.16, marking a double-digit gain on the week’s final trading day. A total of 343 companies traded 30.43 million shares through 142,734 transactions, generating over Rs 13.16 billion in turnover. Most sectors advanced, led by hotels and tourism and hydropower (both +1.56%), while trading fell 2.84%. Reliance Spinning Mills, Super Khudi Hydropower, and Hotel Forest Inn hit positive circuits, while Panchakanya Mai Hydropower dropped 7.48%. NRN Infrastructure led turnover, and National Hydropower recorded the highest trading volume.

NEPSE Approves Procedures for Margin Trading Implementation

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Board of Directors has approved the working procedures for margin trading, set to begin within days. Under the Margin Trading Facilities Directive 2082, brokerage firms must obtain NEPSE permission and update their data backup systems to offer this service. Investors can utilize this facility only for listed companies with at least 2.5 million public shares, a net worth exceeding paid-up capital, and a record of net profit in two of the last three years. The procedure outlines rules for initial and maintenance margins, and brokers are authorized to sell securities if maintenance margins are not met within seven trading days of a margin call.

Employees Provident Fund Distributes Rs 5.3 Billion in Profits

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has distributed Rs 5.3 billion in profits to its contributors for the fiscal year 2024/25. Approximately Rs 5.19 billion was credited to individual provident fund accounts, while Rs 105.5 million went to pension fund contributors. This distribution represents a 1.0 percent return on the initial balance of each account. Currently, the EPF serves 578,000 contributors and 96,000 pension fund members, offering additional benefits such as maternity care, accident compensation, and health insurance reimbursements totaling millions of rupees annually.

Nepal Oil Corporation Limits Gas Cylinders Amid Global Tension

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to continue distributing half-filled gas cylinders due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and rising international fuel prices. On March 1, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) increased import rates, with LPG prices rising by Rs 216 per cylinder. In response to mounting losses, the NOC hiked petrol and diesel prices by Rs 15 per liter, effective Wednesday night. Officials stated that a shift to full cylinders is not currently feasible as global supply chains remain unstable. The corporation continues to adjust domestic rates every 15 days to manage financial deficits caused by fluctuating international crude oil costs.

Nepal Electricity Authority Reports Major Drop in Power Tripping

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) data indicates a substantial improvement in power supply stability during the fiscal year 2025/26 compared to the previous year. Technical records show that tripping incidents and total interruption hours decreased significantly across all provinces. For instance, from mid-November to mid-December, tripping events dropped from 68 to 32, while total outage time fell from 32 to 14 hours. From mid-February to mid-March, interruption hours were reduced from 32 to just 12. The NEA attributed these gains to substation reinforcements, transmission line upgrades, and the deployment of specialized maintenance teams to address technical glitches immediately.

Birgunj Customs Collects Rs 154 Billion in 7 Months

The Birgunj Customs Office generated Rs 154.84 billion in revenue during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. This represents 88.3 percent of the Rs 175.31 billion target set for the period ending mid-February. Despite missing the specific target, the collection is Rs 13.36 billion higher than the amount recorded during the same timeframe last year. Monthly data shows a peak collection of Rs 20.8 billion in around December, followed by steady returns through mid-January and mid-March.

Maheshpur Customs Office Misses 8-Month Revenue Target

The Maheshpur Customs Office in Palhinandan failed to meet its revenue collection goal for the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. Against a target of Rs 123 million by mid-March, the office collected Rs 106.4 million, achieving 86 percent of the objective. While revenue exceeded targets in December and February, overall collection remained low in other months. Officials cited the remaining 14 percent gap as a significant challenge to overcome within the final four months of the fiscal year.

Pokhara and Koshi Province Form Tourism Partnership

The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Pokhara and the Nepal Tourism Board have launched the ‘Jaun Hai Pokhara’ (Let’s go Pokhara) campaign in eastern Nepal to establish a tourism partnership with Koshi Province. The initiative aims to link the religious and natural attractions of both regions, such as Pokhara’s Bindhyavasini Temple and Koshi’s Barahachhetra. For the upcoming Phewa New Year Festival from April 12 to 14, hotels in Pokhara are offering a 25 percent discount. Currently, Pokhara hosts 1,200 hotels with a total investment exceeding Rs 600 billion.

82 Climbers Receive Permits for Spring Mountaineering Season

The Department of Tourism has begun issuing climbing permits for the 2026 spring season, with 82 individuals across 10 groups registered as of Wednesday. Annapurna I has seen the highest interest so far, with 22 climbers in three groups receiving permits. Additionally, 20 climbers in two groups have been cleared for Ama Dablam. Although permits for Mount Everest have not yet been issued, the department has already collected Rs 18.4 million in royalties. The climbing season officially commenced on March 1 and is expected to attract hundreds of international mountaineers.

New Infrastructure Boosts Tourism at Hampal in Parbat

Tourism facilities at Hampal Lekh Highland, located 3,300 meters above sea level, have been upgraded with the construction of modern toilets and bathrooms. Modi Rural Municipality provided Rs 700,000 for the project to accommodate the growing number of domestic and international trekkers. Local entrepreneur Tika Pun noted that the area now features a 16-kilometer stone-paved trail from Deupur, built with a Rs 6 million grant from the Gandaki Provincial Government. The region, known for 12 varieties of rhododendrons, has become a popular alternative route for the Annapurna Circuit. Future plans include a Rs 2 million trail expansion toward Mohare Danda in Myagdi and the creation of an artificial lake.

Banke Land Office Restores 13,000 Records Destroyed in Unrest

The Land Revenue Office in Banke has successfully restored ownership records for 13,409 land plots destroyed during the Gen Z protests. Arson attacks on September 9, 2025, had decimated office documents, forcing a temporary closure before operations resumed in a rented facility on November 17, 2025. While records created after the fiscal year 2017/18 were easily recovered via digital backups, older titles require lengthy legal verification and public notices. To streamline the process, a dedicated citizen help desk has been established to assist landowners in re-establishing their certificates without intermediary costs.

Minister Accuses Contractors of Delaying Bheri Corridor Progress

Karnali Province Infrastructure Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain has blamed local contractors for stalling the Bheri Corridor road project. During an inspection, it was revealed that Caravan Hirachan JV has left five motorable bridges in Nalgad Municipality, including those over Thrakhola and Taaksugad, incomplete since January 15, 2021. Furthermore, only 20 percent of the 25-kilometer road from Dunai to Lasikyap has been finished in four years. The 310-kilometer corridor, stretching from Pasagadh to Marim, is a vital trinational route. Consequently, the Council of Ministers has decided to hand over the construction of the remaining 33 kilometers of the Lasikyap-Sisyol section to the Nepali Army to ensure timely completion.

Department Fines Firms for Regulatory Non-Compliance

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection penalized two firms following field inspections that revealed operational irregularities. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Pilgrims Grocery Private Limited in Swayambhu was fined Rs 201,000. Additionally, RS Kirana and Gas Store in Bhainsepati, Lalitpur, received a fine of Rs 10,000. The department, acting under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, also issued corrective instructions to 17 other firms to ensure market standards and consumer rights are maintained.

Dhading Residents Raise Rs 1.5 Million to Build Thopal Khola Bridge

Local residents in Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, have taken the initiative to construct a bridge over Thopal Khola after failing to receive government support. The project, estimated to cost Rs 1.5 million, aims to connect wards 3 and 12, benefiting over 500 people. One local resident contributed Rs 70,000, including Rs 48,000 from salaries as an election policeman during the March 5 House of Representatives polls. Other locals have donated amounts ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to support the construction of pillars and iron plating. Once completed, the bridge will provide safe passage for students and elderly citizens who currently cross the river at great risk during the monsoon.

Myagdi Road Upgrade Project Commences with Rs 10 Million Budget

The Malika Rural Municipality has initiated an upgrade project for the Batase-Phulbari road section, a vital link between Darwang and Baglung’s Tamankhola. The project, funded with a Rs 10 million budget under the provincial equalization grant, is being executed by Mangala Construction Babiyachaur for Rs 6.5 million. The expansion aims to widen the current 3.5-meter road to a minimum of six meters. Engineering plans include the removal of 11,000 cubic meters of hillside, construction of drainage systems, and 250 cubic meters of concrete paving by June 29.

Unseasonal Storms Cause Millions in Losses for Rupandehi Brick Kilns

Unseasonal rain and high-speed winds have resulted in significant financial damage to approximately 30 brick industries in Rupandehi. Industry representatives report that over 30 million raw bricks, prepared for firing, were destroyed by the moisture. With an average cost of Rs 7 per raw brick, total losses have climbed into the millions. Producers highlighted that rising costs of coal and diesel had already pressured the sector, and the lack of insurance coverage for raw bricks leaves owners vulnerable to weather-related risks. Brick manufacturers are now urging the government to integrate the industry into national insurance policies to mitigate such annual disasters.

Kailali to Launch Rs 225 Million Buffalo-Farming Program

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center is set to implement a buffalo farming project across nine local levels in Kailali starting next month. With a budget of Rs 225 million, the program covers municipalities including Dhangadhi, Tikapur, and Lamki Chuha. The initiative focuses on promoting healthy calf production, meat and milk exports, and increasing farmer income. To qualify for subsidies for barn construction, feed management, and breeding center establishment, farmers must belong to a group or cooperative and maintain a minimum of 10 buffaloes. The project aims to encourage youth participation in commercial livestock.

Tanahun Honey Enters International Market Under Global Branding

Farmers in Tanahun are scaling up beekeeping after honey produced in Thaprek and Dagam reached international markets. Himalayan Treasure, a subsidiary of Surya Nepal Private Limited, purchased 2,100 kilograms of honey at Rs 2,000 per kilogram for global distribution. The product is being marketed under the “Marani Chestnut Honey” brand. Currently, over 500 farmers are involved in the trade, supported by the National Agriculture Modernization Program. Rigorous quality testing confirmed that honey collected from chestnut forests in October and November meets high international standards for export.

National Innovation Center Reports Rs 1.7 Million in Tool Sales

The National Innovation Center’s agricultural tool factory in Birgunj has sold equipment worth Rs 1.7 million since its revival. Key sales include over 300 maize weeders priced at Rs 1,500 each and 300 rakes at Rs 700 each. The factory also sold rice planters for Rs 26,000 and maize planters for Rs 15,000. Furthermore, the center developed Nepal’s first battery-operated “Agri E-Tiller,” which functions without fuel. Operating since January 15, 2023, the facility has utilized Rs 30 million in funding generated from the sale of biographical books to sustain production and employ 45 workers.

Kalinchowk Hydropower to Launch IPO for General Public

Kalinchowk Hydropower is set to open its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public starting April 5. The company received approval to issue 1,375,000 shares, representing 25 percent of its Rs 550 million issued capital. Having already allotted shares to local residents and migrant workers, the company will now offer 684,750 shares at a par value of Rs 100. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 10,000 shares until April 8. Care Ratings Nepal has assigned a ‘CARE-NP BB’ rating to the issuance, indicating moderate risk.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Local Market

Gold and silver prices experienced a slight drop in the domestic market on Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold decreased by Rs 2,900 per tola (11.66 grams), bringing the rate to Rs 285,600. On the previous day, gold was traded at Rs 288,500 per tola. Similarly, silver prices fell by Rs 100 per tola, settling at Rs 4,820, compared to Rs 4,920 on Wednesday.

Tech Giants and Crypto Founders Liquidate Billions Amid War Fears

As the conflict involving Iran approaches its one-month mark, major technology entrepreneurs and cryptocurrency investors are quietly offloading assets. Reports from Fortune and Reuters suggest a growing “silent exit” from the market despite optimistic public statements. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sold 25 million shares for USD 5.7 billion, while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang each liquidated over USD 1 billion in stocks. In the crypto sector, two early Bitcoin whales sold 1,650 coins worth USD 117 million. Analysts note the “sell-to-buy” ratio has plummeted to 0.3, wiping over USD 2 trillion to USD 3 trillion from global tech valuations.