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 Ends Week on Slight Uptrend Amid Volatile Trading

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) closed slightly higher today (Thursday), rising 5.82 points to 2,782.18, a 0.20% gain, while the Sensitive Index dipped 0.08% to 473.23. Weekly trading was volatile, with sharp losses on Sunday and Monday, a Tuesday gain, and a steep drop Wednesday. Thursday saw 21.32 million shares traded across 103,225 transactions, generating Rs 8.819 billion in turnover. Of 328 companies, 98 advanced, 158 declined, and 12 remained stable. Among sectors, manufacturing surged 1.77%, trading rose 2.53%, finance fell 0.87%, and commercial banks declined 0.11%. Other groups posted mixed results.

NRB Extends Capital Hike Deadline for Remittance Firms

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has extended the deadline for remittance companies to meet the minimum paid-up capital requirement by two years. Under the second amendment of the Remittance Bylaws, 2023, companies now have until mid-July 2030 to reach a capital of Rs 100 million. The previous deadline was mid-July 2028. The amendment also allows remittance firms to operate payment service providers or payment system operators through subsidiaries with NRB approval. For new licenses, remittance companies require Rs 250 million, while other related firms need Rs 100 million.

Remittance Inflows Reach Rs 1.449 Trillion in 8 Months

The country received Rs 1.449 trillion in remittances during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, 2025/26, from July 17, 2025, to March 14, 2026. According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, this is a 37.7% increase compared to the same period last year. In the month of mid-February to mid-March alone, Rs 188.64 billion was brought into the country. In US dollar terms, total remittance inflows grew by 31% to reach USD 10.15 billion.

Broker Penalized in Money Laundering Probe of Dipak Bhatt

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has directed the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) to take action against Bhrikuti Stock Broking Company (Broker No. 55). Investigations revealed that businessman Deepak Bhatt purchased shares of Nepal Reinsurance Company and others using Rs 3.81 billion from third-party accounts instead of his own. The broker failed to collect the mandatory 25% advance payment and allowed payments from unauthorized sources. Consequently, regulators are preparing to suspend the broker’s operations for violating share market transaction protocols.

India Pledges Rs 473 Million for Community Projects in Nepal

The Government of India and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration signed memorandums of understanding on Thursday for seven high-impact community development projects. With a total grant of Rs 473 million, these projects focus on education, health, and agriculture. Plans include building cold stores in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Purba) and Tehrathum, a school hostel in Mustang, and new school buildings in Kailali, Dolpa, and Banke. Additionally, a birthing center will be constructed in Rautahat. Since 2003, India has initiated 598 such projects across Nepal.

First-Ever Cooperative Sector Survey to Measure GDP Contribution

The National Statistics Office, in coordination with the Department of Cooperatives, launched the Cooperative Institution Survey, 2026, on Thursday. The survey aims to measure the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first time. Data collection from 3,022 sampled cooperatives will conclude by June 24. The survey will cover employment generation, capital formation, and financial details of cooperatives with assets exceeding Rs 500 million. All individual institutional data will remain confidential under the Statistics Act, 2022, with results expected by mid-November 2025.

Govt. Launches Zero-Tolerance Campaign Against Revenue Leakage

The Central Revenue Leakage Control Committee decided on Thursday to launch a nationwide campaign to curb financial irregularities. During a meeting at the Ministry of Finance, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung directed authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy. Security heads and departmental chiefs were instructed to maintain microscopic surveillance at borders and intensify market monitoring. A specialized task force will be formed to execute a result-oriented action plan. The committee aims to meet revenue targets by strictly controlling leakages both inside and outside border points.

Minister Initiates Direct Dialogue with Cooperative Victims

The Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, Pratibha Rawal, has started direct discussions with individuals affected by cooperative scams. This initiative aligns with the government’s goal to refund small depositors within 100 days. On Thursday, victims from across the country gathered at the ministry to report their long-standing grievances regarding unreturned savings. The ministry is prioritizing these concerns to develop an effective relief plan specifically focused on small-scale savers. This dialogue is expected to lead to concrete steps in addressing the systemic crisis within the cooperative sector.

Finance Minister Discusses Share Market Reforms and Digital Assets

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle held a high-level meeting on Thursday with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) to address recent market declines. Concerns were raised regarding a government plan to establish an Integrated Digital Asset Registry within 100 days to monitor share investments and financial activities for corruption control. Investors fear this could lead to excessive scrutiny of suspicious transactions. Minister Dr. Wagle assured officials that the government remains committed to the structural development of the share market and will implement reforms as outlined in the national agenda.

Energy Ministry Forms Committees to Review Power Purchase

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation formed two high-level committees on Thursday to review Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and production licenses. Dr. Rajan Bhattrai will lead a six-member team to analyze the technical and economic aspects of existing PPAs to ensure transparency and competition. Simultaneously, Mohan Shakya will head a five-member committee to review the progress of issued electricity licenses and identify policy weaknesses. These reviews are part of a 100-point governance reform agenda aimed at accelerating hydropower development and ensuring accountability in the energy sector.

Domestic Airfares Spike Following Massive Aviation Fuel Hike

Domestic air travel costs in the country significantly increased on Wednesday, following a sharp rise in fuel prices. The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) increased the price of domestic aviation fuel by 75%, bringing it to Rs 251 per liter. Consequently, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) adjusted fares across all routes. The Kathmandu to Dhangadhi flight saw the highest increase of Rs 5,480, reaching a total of Rs 11,090. Mountain flights also rose by Rs 4,225. These hikes are attributed to global supply disruptions and rising international energy costs.

Government Bans State Ads in Private Media

The government of Nepal has decided to ban all advertisements by federal, provincial, and local government authorities in private media outlets. The decision, communicated by the Prime Minister’s office to all ministries, commissions, the offices of the seven provincial chief ministers, and local governments nationwide, aims to promote fiscal prudence, ensure transparency in the publication and broadcasting of official notices, and strengthen state-run media. A letter sent on Wednesday stated that this step was taken “to maintain frugality, guarantee transparency in the dissemination of advertisements and information, and encourage the promotion of government media.”

Siraha to Conduct Economic Census from April 15

The District Statistics Office in Siraha announced that an economic census will be conducted from April 15. According to Chief Statistics Officer Bimal Yadav, the data collection will continue until June 21. The census aims to map the objective state of economic development by collecting detailed information from all economic units, establishments, and businesses. A total of 60 enumerators will be deployed across the district to cover 18 major economic activities, including mining, manufacturing, construction, financial institutions, and health services.

Nepal Oil Corporation Faces Rs 13.31 Billion Fortnightly Loss

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is facing a severe financial crisis, reporting a projected loss of Rs 13.31 billion every 15 days. Rising international crude prices due to conflicts in West Asia have increased the cost of fuel from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), but local prices remain unadjusted. Executive Director Chandika Bhatt warned that the Price Stabilization Fund, which previously held Rs 17 billion, has been depleted. The NOC now requires Rs 27 billion every fortnight to pay the IOC. Without a price hike or government intervention within a week, fuel supplies could face significant disruptions.

Construction Costs Rise as Crusher Industry Hikes Material Prices

Construction activities in Morang have slowed down after the crusher industry increased the price of stone, gravel, and sand by Rs 4,000 per tipper. A tipper of gravel that previously cost Rs 11,000 now costs Rs 15,000. Builders warn that ongoing multi-year projects cannot be completed at current rates without selling personal property to cover costs. The Koshi Crusher Industry Association attributed the hike to rising fuel and transport costs, alongside a shortage of raw materials due to delayed excavation permits. There are currently 29 crusher industries operating in Morang facing high production costs.

Sugar Mill Shutdown Leaves Farmers with Rs 60 Million in Debt

Indra Sugar and Agro Industries in Pratappur, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim), has shut down, leaving farmers and employees in financial distress. Industry owner Rakesh Agrawal is reportedly out of contact in India, owing farmers Rs 60 million for sugarcane and staff over Rs 10 million in unpaid wages. Furthermore, the mill has defaulted on Rs 400 million in bank loans. Farmers are now forced to sell their crops to crushers at lower rates without government subsidies. Victims are urging the government to use its 100-day program to recover their dues and take legal action against the owner via a red corner notice.

Business Groups Announce Candidates for FNCCI Elections

The Naresh Lal Shrestha group has officially announced its candidacy for the Commodity Vice President and executive committee positions in the upcoming Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) elections. This group is aligned with Hemraj Dhakal, who is running for Senior Vice President. The team includes representatives from agriculture, tourism, the share market, and IT sectors. Meanwhile, for the FNCCI Bagmati Province chairmanship, Durga Raj Shrestha of Kathmandu and Ved Bahadur Shrestha of Sindhupalchowk have filed their nominations. The provincial election is scheduled for April 7 in Hetauda to elect a new three-year-term leadership.

Sanjivani Microfinance Removed from NRB’s Disputed List

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has officially removed Sanjivani Microfinance Financial Institution Limited from its list of disputed institutions. Formerly known as Super Microfinance Financial Institution, based in Tulsipur, Dang, the company had been declared troubled on September 7, 2022. Following a decision on March 19, 2026, the central bank granted permission for the institution to resume regular financial transactions. The Microfinance Institution Supervision Department confirmed that the institution has met the necessary regulatory requirements to function normally within the financial market.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Domestic Market

Gold prices dropped in the market on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold fell by Rs 3,600 per tola, bringing it down to Rs 294,000. A day earlier, on Wednesday, gold was traded at Rs 297,600 per tola (11.66 grams). Silver prices also saw a decline. The price of silver decreased by Rs 165 per tola and is now trading at Rs 4,780. On Wednesday, silver was priced at Rs 4,945 per tola.