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:

Global Stock Markets Lose $7 Trillion Amid Middle East Conflict

Heightened military tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have caused an estimated USD 7 trillion in losses across global capital markets. Oil and gas prices have surged between 70 and 85 percent. Wall Street took a significant hit, with Apple shares falling 11 percent and Nvidia dropping 14 percent. International indices also suffered, with Japan’s Nikkei down 8 percent and Germany’s DAX falling 9 percent. Economists warned that market psychology is currently driven by geopolitical uncertainty rather than fundamental economic indicators, leading investors to flee toward safer assets.

USD Hits Record High as NRB Sets New Rates

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has fixed the exchange rate for Saturday, with the US dollar (USD) reaching a record high. The buying rate for USD is set at Rs 151.41, while the selling rate is Rs 152.01. Other major currencies also saw an upward trend, with the European euro (EUR) at Rs 174.32 (buy) and Rs 175.01 (sell) and the UK pound sterling (GBP) at Rs 201.41 (buy) and Rs 202.20 (sell). Additionally, the Australian Dollar (AUD) is trading at Rs 104.37 (buy), and the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) at Rs 493.76 (buy). The Indian Rupee (INR) remains stable with a buying rate of Rs 160 for 100 units.

LPG and Kerosene Imports from Birgunj Border Decrease

Imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and kerosene through the Birgunj customs point have declined in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, LPG imports fell to Rs 20.54 billion for 202.8 million kg, down by over 7.2 million kg compared to the previous year. Similarly, kerosene imports dropped to Rs 270 million. The Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that the decline in LPG and diesel indicates a slowdown in industrial and domestic consumption, though petrol imports increased by 35,246 kiloliters due to rising private vehicle use.

Cooperative Managers Sued for Embezzling Rs 187.6 Million

A fraud case has been filed at the Dhulikhel District Court against 17 individuals associated with the Pashupati Savings and Credit Cooperative for embezzling Rs 187.6 million. District Attorney Tika Bhushan Ghimire initiated the proceedings based on complaints from 103 victims. The accused, including Chairman Pan Bahadur Shrestha (43) and Manager Rajaram Sakupayo (39), are currently at large. Kavrepalanchowk police have issued warnings to defaulting borrowers and noted that while 26 individuals linked to various cooperative frauds have been arrested, 67 others remain fugitives.

Truck Entrepreneurs Warn of Crisis Over Fuel Price Hikes

Transport entrepreneurs have expressed grave concern over the continuous rise in petroleum prices, warning of a potential collapse in the transport sector. During the 14th annual general meeting of the Lumbini Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Association in Bhairahawa on Saturday, leaders claimed that current freight rates do not cover rising costs. The association criticized the government for failing to adjust fares in line with fuel, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The Lumbini chapter urged the new government to implement protective policies for domestic entrepreneurs to prevent a complete halt in transportation services.

Rain and Wind Damage Wheat Crops Across Saptari District

Recent heavy rainfall and strong winds yesterday have caused significant damage to wheat crops in Saptari. This follows a similar weather event within the past week, hitting farms just as the harvesting season began. Delayed sowing in October and November had pushed the primary harvest to late spring. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center Saptari, wheat was cultivated on 35,000 hectares of land this year. Technical assessments indicate that the wind and rain prevent the grains from maturing fully, leading to reduced weight and lower overall production quality across the district.

India Hands Over 19 One-Ton Vehicles to Nepal Government

The Government of India has handed over 19 one-ton vehicles to the government of Nepal to support logistical requirements. Manish Kumar Das, Consul at the Consulate General of India in Birgunj, officially delivered the vehicles to Suman Kumar Karki, Assistant Chief District Officer of Parsa, at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Saturday. According to the embassy, the assistance was provided following a specific request from the Nepal government. Assistant CDO Karki expressed gratitude to India for the support and confirmed that the vehicles have been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for immediate deployment.

India Faces Critical Five-Day Strategic Oil Reserve Shortage

As tensions escalate in the Gulf, India currently holds strategic oil reserves sufficient for only 5 days of national demand. According to a 2025 audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, the storage facilities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are only 64 percent full, holding 3.372 million metric tons of the 5.33 million metric ton total capacity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently assured Parliament of adequate stocks, noting that commercial oil companies hold an additional 64.5 days of supply. However, analysts warn that India, which imports 88 percent of its crude oil, remains highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the Middle East.

Madi River Bridge Construction Reaches 80% Completion

Construction of the four-lane bridge over the Madi River, part of the Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project, has reached 80 percent completion. The contract for this project, connecting Vyas Municipalities 4 and 5, was signed on August 11, 2022, for Rs 1.21 billion with ZIST-Annak JV. Currently, 125 workers are deployed daily to finish the upper structures and finishing touches within the current fiscal year. This modern arc-design bridge is a key component of the larger Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project, which includes the Rs 6.213 billion eastern section and the Rs 7.404 billion western section.

Local Unit Allocates Budget for Chamere Cave in Bhojpur

The Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality, Bhojpur District, has intensified efforts to preserve the historical Chamere Cave. Despite limited resources, the ward office has allocated a budget of Rs 50,000 for the current fiscal year to develop the site as a tourist destination. Ward Chairman Kumar Bista stated that a stone stairway has been constructed to improve access to the cave and the nearby Raj Gaiya Devi Than. Local legends suggest a queen once hid in the cave during ancient warfare, giving the village its name, Ranibas. Chairman Prem Kumar Rai emphasized that the municipality is creating long-term plans to boost the local economy through such religious and historical heritage sites.

Hetauda Cement Industry Resumes Clinker Production After Six Months

The Hetauda Cement Industry, which had been closed since September 9, 2025, has officially resumed clinker production. Information Officer Hareram Acharya stated that the factory currently has enough raw materials to sustain operations for two weeks. While the plant has a maximum daily capacity of 800 quintals, the current production target is set at 600 quintals per day. Established in the fiscal year 1976/77, the state-owned industry has struggled with financial instability and frequent closures, but management is now preparing to send newly packed cement to the market following this successful restart.

Surya Pulse Records Rs 1.808 Billion Turnover Under Juneli Brand

Surya Pulse and Processing, the producer of the Juneli food brand, achieved a turnover of Rs 1.808 billion in the last fiscal year. This marks an 18 percent increase compared to the Rs 1.531 million earned in 2024. The company reported a net profit of Rs 66 million, while its tangible net worth rose to Rs 460 million. Managed by the Minda family and led by Chairman Sanjay Kumar Minda, the firm imports and processes various pulses and animal feed. The company recently secured ratings for credit facilities totaling Rs 981.5 million to support its depots in Kathmandu and Jhapa.

IMF Reaches $1.2 Billion Staff-Level Agreement with Pakistan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a staff-level agreement with Pakistan on Friday to release a new assistance package worth USD 1.2 billion. Pakistan remains one of the largest debtors to the IMF after Argentina and Ukraine. The agreement, subject to Executive Board approval, includes USD 1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility and approximately USD 210 million from the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The IMF praised the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and strengthen social protections for vulnerable groups amid volatile energy prices.