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:

Nepal Rastra Bank Mops Up Rs 25 Billion in Excess Liquidity

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) absorbed Rs 25 billion from the banking system on Wednesday to manage high levels of excess liquidity. Utilizing its deposit collection instrument, the NRB conducted a bidding process at 3:00 PM for class ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ financial institutions. Participating banks were required to bid a minimum of Rs 100 million. This 56-day deposit instrument is scheduled for principal and interest repayment on June 3. This intervention aims to stabilize the financial market by regulating the volume of funds available within the banking sector.

NEPSE Jumps 45.12 Points as All Sectors Gain

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 45.12 points, or 1.63 percent, to close at 2,802.52 on Wednesday, the fourth trading day of the week. The Sensitive Index increased by 5.75 points to 476.88, while the float and sensitive float indices gained 1.53 percent and 1.30 percent. A total of 18,816,808 shares of 346 companies were traded through 98,162 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 8.318 billion. All 13 sector indices posted gains, led by manufacturing and processing, hydropower, and hotel and tourism. Share prices of four companies hit the positive circuit breaker.

SEBON Tightens IPO Financial Standards for Loss-Making Firms

The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has introduced the ‘Standards for Review of Financial Statements Submitted for Initial Public Offerings, 2026,’ implementing the strictest audit policies to date. Set to take effect on April 14, the new regulations place loss-making companies and those with weak net worth under mandatory “micro-monitoring.” Previously, the review process was considered relatively lenient, but SEBON now requires companies to ensure complete transparency and robust financial health before entering the share market. This measure is designed to protect investors by scrutinizing each company’s financial indicators and ensuring only viable entities proceed with an IPO.

Minimum Wage and Social Security Now Mandatory for All Workers

The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has issued a circular making the minimum wage and social security benefits mandatory for nurses, health workers, teachers, and other laborers. Under Section 18(3) of the Labor Act, 2017, the rule also applies to individuals hired as trainees, who must now receive sick leave, gratuity, provident fund, and insurance. The decision follows widespread complaints of underpayment in private hospitals and institutional schools. Minister for Labor Deepak Kumar Shah warned that employers failing to provide these legal benefits would face strict legal action, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure the rights and financial security of all workers.

NOC to Reduce Fortnightly Losses by Rs 1.5 Billion

To alleviate the financial crisis at Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the Council of Ministers has approved a 50% reduction in customs duties and infrastructure development taxes on petrol, diesel, and kerosene. NOC Deputy Executive Director Nagendra Sah stated the decision will reduce fortnightly losses by Rs 1.5 billion. Currently, NOC faces a fortnightly loss of Rs 11.71 billion due to high global oil prices. Although the relief helps the NOC’s stability, consumers will not see immediate price cuts at the pump. Since the fiscal year 2015/16, the government has collected Rs 172.21 billion through infrastructure taxes.

Public Transport Fares Publicized Amid Fuel Price Surge

The Department of Transport Management has officially released the new fare list for public and freight vehicles following persistent demands from transport entrepreneurs. Passenger transport fares have increased by 16.71%, while freight rates in the hills and Terai rose by 21.68% and 15.75%, respectively. According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs, the adjustment was necessary due to rising petroleum prices. Experts warn that the hike in freight charges is expected to increase the cost of kitchen staples and general goods for consumers across the country.

Fare Hike of 16.71 Percent Excludes Electric Vehicles

The Department of Transport Management has clarified that the recent 16.71% increase in passenger vehicle fares will not apply to electric vehicles (EVs). The fare adjustment, effective from Wednesday, was triggered solely by the rising cost of petroleum products in the international market. While fares for freight transport in hilly areas rose by 21.68% and in the Terai by 15.75%, EV rates remain unchanged as they do not consume fossil fuels. These adjustments apply only to long-distance routes crossing at least two provinces; local and intra-province fares remain under the jurisdiction of provincial governments.

Ministry Orders Legal Action Against Private Schools for Illegal Fees

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs and local governments to take legal action against private schools refusing to refund illegal fees. Despite an April 5 directive following a Supreme Court order, several institutional schools have continued collecting unauthorized admission and monthly charges before the academic session starts. Under Section 166(6) of the Education Act, 1971, the Ministry mandated the immediate return of these funds. To facilitate the process, a help desk has been established at the Education and Human Resource Development Center to handle student complaints and coordinate enforcement with district administration offices.

New Directive Bans Plastic Bags Thinner Than 40 Microns

The government has issued the ‘Plastic Bag (Regulation and Control) Directive 2026,’ strictly banning the production, import, and sale of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. Under the Environment Protection Act, 2019, the new rules mandate that standard bags must be at least 7 by 14 inches, while garbage bags must be 14 by 28 inches and colored black. Manufacturers must now print their company name, thickness, and a recycle logo on every bag in at least an 18-point font size. Additionally, the directive introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring importers and producers to collect and manage 10% of the plastic they distribute.

World Bank Delegation Discusses Digital Transformation with Minister

A high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Country Director David Sislen, held a meeting with the Minister for Communication and Information Technology Vikram Timilsina on Wednesday. The discussions focused on the rapid implementation of the ‘Nepal Digital Transformation Project,’ data management, and governance reforms. Minister Timilsina expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued support in Nepal’s socio-economic development and assured that the government is focused on delivering results-oriented infrastructure projects. Foreign Ministry officials were also present to discuss expanding information technology access across the country to improve citizen service delivery through digital transformation.

Poverty in Sudurpashchim Province Rises by 10%

The Sudurpashchim Province government has expressed serious concern over a sharp increase in poverty levels as it finalizes its second five-year plan. According to expert member Dr. Hemraj Lamichhane of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, poverty in the province has surged from 24.6% during the first five-year plan in fiscal year 2020/21 to 34.16% currently. Achham district recorded the highest poverty rate at 49.58%. To address this 10% rise, the second five-year plan aims for a “Prosperous and Beautiful Sudurpashchim” by prioritizing job creation, skill development, and strengthening the rural economy through agriculture and tourism.

Over 57% of Koshi Residents Enrolled in Health Insurance

Koshi Province has achieved a record 57.56% health insurance coverage, significantly outperforming the national average of 26.54%. Data released on the 10th Health Insurance Day shows that 2,861,852 citizens in the province are now insured, with a renewal rate exceeding 73%. To date, the Health Insurance Board has paid Rs 12.725 billion to 119 listed health facilities for treatment services. The program currently provides free insurance to 278,000 senior citizens and 40,000 female health volunteers in the province.

Energy Minister Directs Fast-Track Implementation of Priority Projects

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has instructed subordinate agencies to prepare a checklist of projects that can be completed within the current fiscal year. During a meeting with leadership from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Minister Shrestha emphasized policy stability and inter-agency coordination to increase internal electricity consumption. He proposed pilot projects for producing energy from waste in coordination with local levels and suggested establishing “Energy Startups.” Water Resources Secretary Sarita Dawadi and Energy Secretary Chiranjivi Chataut briefed the minister on existing challenges and strategic plans to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Lumbini Contractors Demand Unpaid Dues of Rs 100 Million

Construction companies and suppliers in Lumbini Province have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya demanding the immediate payment of long-overdue dues. Businesses, including Rapti Education Enterprises and Bishnu Construction Service, claim they have not been paid for projects completed in fiscal year 2024/25. In Dang alone, the Social Development Division Office owes Rs 27.5 million. Social Development Secretary Diwakar Bhandari acknowledged a total outstanding liability of approximately Rs 100 million across the ministry, citing budget management delays at the Ministry of Economic Affairs as the reason for the payment holdup.

Irrigation Coverage Missing in 38 Percent of Chitwan’s Farmland

Approximately 38.2% of the cultivated land in Chitwan remains without irrigation facilities, according to the Agriculture Development Office. Out of the district’s 48,694 hectares of arable land, 42,550 hectares are currently under cultivation, with only 61.8% receiving irrigation. While total irrigated area increased to 26,308 hectares this year, coverage in the Narayani Lift and Khageri systems fell by 38%. Infrastructure development, including roads and parks over canal branches in Bharatpur Metropolitan City wards 10, 11, and 12, has significantly reduced the functionality of these vital irrigation networks.

Wheat Prices Drop as Farmers Struggle Without Support Price

Farmers in Kailali are facing financial losses as wheat prices have dropped to approximately Rs 3,800 per quintal, compared to Rs 4,000 last year. Despite the Ministry of Agriculture sending a proposal to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the government has yet to fix the official support price for this year. Farmers noted that high production costs and recent storm damage have compounded their struggles. Currently, traders are selling the collected wheat to flour mills in Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi for around Rs 4,000 per quintal, leaving farmers with minimal profit margins.

Khairahani Municipality Announces 50% Subsidy on Rice Seeds

Khairahani Municipality has invited farmers to apply for a 50% subsidy on improved summer rice seeds under its food crop promotion program. Agriculture Officer Srijana Shrestha announced that a budget of Rs 1. million has been allocated to provide seeds such as Sabitri, Ramdhan, and Hardinath-6. Eligible farmers can receive up to 100 kilograms of seeds, with the application deadline set for April 20. The program aims to increase productivity and self-sufficiency in agriculture. The municipality previously provided similar subsidies for spring rice, which covers 2,051 hectares in the region.

National Economic Census to Mobilize 5,000 Staff from April 15

The National Statistics Office (NSO) is set to launch the National Economic Census on April 15 deploying approximately 5,000 staff across the country. Operating under a public-private partnership model, the census aims to provide an accurate picture of various sectors’ contributions to Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Deputy Chief Statistician Dhundiraj Lamichhane confirmed that agreements have been signed with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Nepal Bankers’ Association for data exchange and analysis. The NSO assured that individual and institutional data would remain confidential and would not be used for tax assessment purposes, focusing instead on holistic economic analysis.

Local Unit Grants Rs 3.9 Million to Chronically Ill Citizens

The Vyas Municipality, Tanahun, has distributed financial assistance totaling Rs 3.9 million to 266 residents suffering from chronic illnesses. Each patient, including those with cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure, received Rs 5,000 this fiscal year. The municipality also provided free ambulance services to 4,715 individuals, including senior citizens and impoverished patients. Additionally, 5,163 children received Vitamin ‘A’ supplements, and 789 girls aged 10 to 14 were vaccinated against cervical cancer with the HPV vaccine.

Rs 35 Million Police Post Building Completed in Myagdi

A new earthquake-resistant building for the Singa Tatopani Police Post has been constructed in Rakse, Beni Municipality-4, at a cost of over Rs 35.1 million. The two-story facility was funded by the Gandaki Province government, with the contract signed in 2024. According to Engineer Deputy Superintendent of Police Chiranjivi Pratap Mahato, the building includes administrative branches, separate detention cells, and a communication room. Previously operating from a rented space, the post now has a permanent home on land provided by the Singa Tatopani Kunda Management Committee, which purchased the 1017.47 square meter plot using visitor entrance fees.

Department of Commerce Fines 3 Firms for Market Violations

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection penalized three commercial firms during a field inspection on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Following discrepancies found under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, the Department fined Shankar Khadya Kirana Store and MDR Store in Kuleshwor Rs 20,000 each. Additionally, Gupta Gudpak Bhandar in Gongabu was fined Rs 5,000. Out of 39 firms monitored in a single day, the Department issued reformative directives to the remaining 36 establishments. These regular inspections are conducted in coordination with consumer rights activists to ensure market transparency and protect consumer interests.

Gold, Silver Prices Rise Today

The prices of gold and silver have increased in the domestic market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has risen by Rs 7,200 per tola (11.66 grams) and reached Rs 299,000. It was 291,800 per tola on Tuesday. Similarly, silver is being traded at Rs 5,025 per tola today against Rs 4,820 on Tuesday. It has jumped by Rs 205 per tola, according to the Federation. Last Monday, the trading price for one tola of gold was Rs 291,400, and silver was at Rs 4,780.