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:

Implementation of ‘NEPSE-30’ Index Faces Delays at Share Market

The introduction of the ‘NEPSE-30’ index, designed to track 30 high-performing companies on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), remains stalled. Plans were finalized during the tenure of the previous chairman, but the file was halted before final board approval. The proposed index aimed to enhance the share market by including companies with a book value higher than their par value and a history of profit in three of the last five years. The list initially included eight commercial banks and eight microfinance institutions. Despite the Securities Board of Nepal being informed and a calculation methodology being prepared, current management has yet to move forward with the implementation.

Fuel Price Reaches Rs 202 Per Liter in Kathmandu

Following a decision by the Board of Directors, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) increased the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene by Rs 15 per liter, effective midnight Thursday. For the first, second, and third categories, petrol is now priced at Rs 199.50, Rs 201, and Rs 202 per liter, respectively. Diesel and kerosene prices have been adjusted to Rs 179.50, Rs 181, and Rs 182. Despite this adjustment, the NOC projects a monthly loss of Rs 11.71 billion due to rising international rates driven by Middle East conflicts.

Postal Services to Facilitate International Shipments on Public Holidays

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has coordinated a plan to allow the export and import of goods through the General Post Office in Dillibazar even on public holidays. Previously, services were hindered by the closure of customs and bank branches on holidays. Following directives from the Communication Ministry, the Department of Customs and Rastriya Banijya Bank are making arrangements to remain operational for clearing international parcels and processing revenue. From mid-February to mid-March alone, the office handled over 19,200 incoming parcels and 11,700 exports, collecting approximately Rs 2.9 million in customs revenue.

NRB Cancels Licenses of 2 Money Exchange Companies in Biratnagar

The Biratnagar office of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has revoked the operating licenses of two money changer firms. The companies, Amrit Laxmi Money Exchange in Morang and Super Fine Money Exchange in Biratnagar, had their permits cancelled for failing to renew them within the mandatory three-month grace period after expiration. This action was taken in accordance with the Exchange Transaction Licensing and Inspection Regulations, 2020. The NRB stated that strict adherence to renewal timelines is necessary to maintain the integrity of foreign exchange transactions and ensure all active firms comply with current financial oversight standards.

Labor Office Freezes Accounts of 2 Non-Compliant Industries

The Labor and Employment Office has frozen the bank accounts of two establishments for violating labor laws following a monitoring of 175 institutions. During the first eight months of the current fiscal year, authorities rescued 20 children working in various hotels and factories, returning them to their guardians. Fines totaling Rs 225,000 and compensation of Rs 22,000 were imposed on employers using child labor. Investigations revealed that many small industries failed to provide appointment letters, minimum wages, or social security. The office has settled 29 out of 45 labor-related complaints during this period.

Nepal’s Balance of Payments Records Rs 658 Billion Surplus

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reported that the country’s Balance of Payments (BOP) remained in a surplus of Rs 658.35 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year. This is a significant increase from the Rs 310.37 billion surplus recorded in the same period last year. In US dollar terms, the surplus stands at USD 4.61 billion. Additionally, direct foreign investment (equity only) reached Rs 10.84 billion, up from Rs 8.47 billion. The current account also maintained a surplus of Rs 552.85 billion, providing a strong financial cushion for the national economy.

Bank Interest Rates Fall as Credit Growth Remains Sluggish

Financial reports from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) as of March 14 reveal a continued decline in interest rates, yet credit expansion to the private sector grew by only 4.4%. Total credit reached Rs 5.74 trillion, while deposits surged by 6.6% to Rs 7.74 trillion. The weighted average lending rate for commercial banks dropped to 6.90% from 8.40% last year. Despite high liquidity, private sector morale remains low due to global price hikes and past economic instability. While sectors like consumption and construction saw growth of 10.5% and 8.8%, respectively, agricultural credit declined by 2%.

Share Market Margin Lending Grows by 11.1%

Loans against share market securities have seen a significant rise, increasing by 11.1% in the first eight months of the fiscal year. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, banks and financial institutions have disbursed a total of Rs 156.27 billion in margin nature loans as of mid-March. This is an increase of Rs 15.57 billion since July. The largest portion of this growth came from big investors taking loans exceeding Rs 10 million, which totaled Rs 109.64 billion. Additionally, the number of investors taking loans between Rs 5 million and Rs 10 million increased by 17.4%.

Govt. Activates Nepal Airlines for Rescue Missions in West Asia from Today

Due to escalating tensions and a deteriorating security situation in West Asia, the government has begun operating special rescue and facilitation flights for Nepali citizens in the region starting today. The decision followed a high-level meeting on Thursday, initiated by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, directing Nepal Airlines Corporation to conduct flights from April 3 to April 5 after regular services were suspended on February 28. According to the schedule, a Kathmandu-Dubai flight departed today at 11:15 PM, with a return Dubai-Kathmandu flight on April 4 at 4:10 AM. A Kathmandu-Dammam flight is set for April 5 at 8:30 AM, followed by a return Dammam-Kathmandu flight at 12:20 PM the same day. Earlier, on April 1, at least 291 Nepalis and the bodies of nine deceased nationals were brought back via Kuwait Airways to Gautam Buddha International Airport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Nepalgunj Customs Records Rs 53.916 Billion Trade in 8 Months

The Nepalgunj Customs Office recorded a total trade volume of Rs 53.916 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. This represents a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Imports accounted for Rs 51.983 billion, while exports stood at Rs 1.933 billion. Although total trade grew, exports saw a decline of over Rs 20 million. Revenue collection reached Rs 12.754 billion. Trade with India dominated the figures, totaling Rs 48.78 billion, primarily involving fuel and food imports.

Lumbini Province Delays Budget Preparations for Fiscal Year 2026/27

The Lumbini Province government has yet to begin drafting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 due to a delay in receiving the federal budget ceiling. While guidelines were expected by March 29, the transition in the federal government has slowed the process. Provincial authorities expect to bring a smaller budget than the current Rs 38.91 billion to ensure effective implementation. The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission has recommended an equalization grant of Rs 8.562 billion for the province. Under constitutional mandates, the province must present its budget by June 15, leaving limited time for necessary stakeholder consultations.

Over 800 Production Industries Fold in Jumla After Subsidy Cuts

The Office of Industry and Consumer Interest Protection in Jumla reports that 832 production-oriented industries have been liquidated, primarily due to tightened subsidy regulations. Out of 5,389 registered production units, many were established solely to capture government grants. Currently, 1,535 industries remain non-operational or closed. Monitoring reveals that while female-led enterprises in dairy and furniture remain stable, many “fake” entrepreneurs exited once double-subsidies were curtailed by agencies like the Agriculture Development Office. Local authorities are now emphasizing transparent, merit-based support to prevent further industry closures and ensure sustainable employment in the district.

Road Division Office Terminates 10 Contracts on Karnali Highway

The Road Division Office in Jumla has initiated the termination of 10 long-stalled “ill” contracts along the Karnali Highway. A 15-day public notice was issued against six construction companies for failing to complete projects despite repeated extensions. Terminated contracts include road safety and culvert works between Kalikot and Jumla handled by Dhurva Construction Service and periodic maintenance near Balighat by Krishna Construction Service. Other cancellations involve Avinash Construction Service and Binamra Construction Service for work on the Nagma-Gamgadhi and Rara road sections. The move follows government directives to end the trend of holding contracts without performing work.

Administration Targets Illegal Crusher Plants in Nawalparasi  

Following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the local administration in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim) has intensified monitoring of illegal crusher industries. The crackdown was initiated after reports from the Council of Gen Z, Lumbini, highlighted a large number of unauthorized plants operating across 12 districts in the province. Authorities are currently reviewing documents and operational procedures of approximately 12 active crusher plants in the district. Any industry found operating without a license, failing to renew, or violating environmental standards near residential areas will face immediate closure. Local residents have welcomed the move as a necessary step to mitigate environmental risks from unregulated riverbed extraction.

Local Unit Upgrades 4 Kilometers of Road With Internal Funds

Abukhaireni Rural Municipality, Tanahun, has commenced the blacktopping and upgrading of 4 kilometers of road using its own internal financial resources. The project focuses on the Samastipur-Giranchaur and Hilekharka-Baradi sections. According to local authorities, the work will be completed in two phases. The first phase involves upgrading the road from Jogini Bhanjyang to the Ward No. 6 office. Additionally, the Hilekharka-Baradi segment will be fully upgraded within the current fiscal year, supported by Rs 60 million allocated by the federal government. The initiative aims to improve local connectivity and infrastructure through localized funding models.

Tourist Arrivals Decline in Sikles During March

The tourist village of Sikles in Kaski saw a decrease in visitors during March, with 1,926 tourists recorded. The Sikles Tourist Information Center attributed the decline to unfavorable weather conditions compared to the previous month. Located at an altitude of 1,950 meters, Sikles is a renowned hub for Gurung culture and serves as the starting point for trekking routes to Kaphuche, Kori, Kholasothar, and Dudhpokhari. Despite the monthly dip, the area remains a significant destination known for its stone-paved paths and historical importance as the birthplace of the national peace process.

Dhanusha Prepares for National Economic Census Starting April 15

The District Economic Census Office has urged industrialists and businessmen in Dhanusha to provide accurate data for the upcoming National Economic Census, scheduled to begin on April 15. During a discussion program, officials emphasized that the census is vital for formulating provincial economic policies. The data collection will cover 18 economic sectors and continue until June 21. In the previous census, Madhesh Province recorded 117,670 establishments. Local business leaders from the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed the importance of evidence-based information to address industry challenges.

First National Survey of Cooperatives Commences Across Nepal

The National Statistics Office and the Department of Cooperatives have launched the first-ever comprehensive survey of cooperative societies in Nepal. The survey, which began on April 2 and will conclude by June 24, aims to analyze the economic contribution and health of the country’s 32,965 cooperatives. A team of 27 enumerators will conduct field surveys of 465 major cooperatives with capital exceeding Rs 500 million. The questionnaire covers eight sections, including share capital, employment, and loan distribution, to help the government formulate policies for the currently sluggish sector.

Gautamshree Cooperative CEO Arrested in Rs 5.5 Billion Fraud Case

Police arrested the Chief Executive Officer of Gautam Shree Cooperative on Wednesday in connection with a major fraud case. The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office took the official into custody for allegedly cheating depositors of over Rs 5.5 billion. The cooperative has already been declared “problematic” by the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee. While the CEO is currently under a four-day remand for investigation, the chairman of the institution remains at large. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on cooperative mismanagement that has left thousands of savers without access to their funds.

Nicholas Pandey Elected President of FCAN

The 13th General Convention of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) concluded with the election of Nicholas Pandey as the new president. Pandey secured 514 votes, defeating his closest rival, who received 414 votes. A new 51-member executive committee was formed, including Ramji Pant as senior vice president and Shivahari Ghimire as general secretary. Regional Vice Presidents were also elected for all seven provinces, including Shambhu Thakur for Madhesh and Sahadev Khadka for Lumbini. The newly elected leadership is expected to address ongoing industry challenges, including project payment delays and the management of sick contracts across the country.

Gold Price Stable, Silver Gains Rs 50 Per Tola

The price of gold is unchanged while that of silver has increased in the domestic market today. The price of silver has gone up by Rs 50 per tola (11.66 grams). According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold is fixed at Rs 294,000 per tola and the same quantity of silver at Rs 4,830 for today. The price of gold was set at Rs 294,000 per tola on Thursday. On Wednesday, the price of gold was Rs 297,600 per tola, and that of the same quantity of white metal was set at Rs 4,945.