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 Drops 1.18 Percent as All Sectors End in Red

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 33.83 points or 1.18 percent on Thursday to close at 2,833.03. The Sensitive Index declined 0.91 percent to 477.46, while float and sensitive float indices posted gains. A total of 20.74 million shares of 342 companies were traded through 111,607 transactions, with turnover reaching Rs 9.312 billion. All 13 sector indices declined, led by finance, hydropower, and others. Two companies hit the positive circuit breaker despite the broader market downturn.

Nepal Oil Corporation Increases Diesel and Kerosene Prices by Rs 30

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) announced a significant hike in the prices of diesel, kerosene, and domestic aviation fuel effective from Thursday. Diesel and kerosene prices have been increased by Rs 30 per liter, while domestic aviation fuel rose by Rs 5 per liter. Following this adjustment, the retail price of diesel and kerosene in Category 1 regions has reached Rs 234.50 per liter. Aviation fuel is now priced at Rs 256 per liter, up from Rs 251, while petrol prices remain unchanged.

Country Receives Rs 41.798 Billion in FDI Commitments Within Nine Months

The country secured direct foreign investment (FDI) commitments totaling Rs 41.798 billion for 615 projects during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Department of Industry, the agriculture and forest-based sector received the highest commitment of Rs 22.088 billion for 16 projects. The tourism sector followed with Rs 11.462 billion for 164 projects. These investments, which include 599 small-scale industries, are expected to create employment opportunities for 23,316 local citizens.

Minister Shrestha Issues 32-Point Directive for Energy Reform

Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha issued a 32 points directive on Thursday to implement structural reforms and transparency in the energy sector. The directive mandates the Electricity Regulatory Commission to determine wheeling charges within 30 days to facilitate an “open access” system for competitive power trading. Additionally, the Nepal Electricity Authority must submit a report on all Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) disputes and categorize projects based on operational risks. The Department of Electricity Development is also required to publicly disclose details of all hydropower licenses and progress milestones within 60 days to increase accountability.

License Period for Reservoir Projects Extended to 50 Years

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has decided to extend the license period for reservoir-based hydropower projects to 50 years to attract private sector investment. This policy aims to address the high costs and long payback periods associated with such projects. Under a 32 points directive issued on Thursday, the Department of Electricity Development has been given 45 days to implement this change. Additionally, the Electricity Regulatory Commission must establish a wheeling charge methodology within one month to end the monopoly of the Nepal Electricity Authority and open the market for competitive private trading.

Department to act against illegal passport annotations for UAE-bound travelers

The Department of Immigration has initiated action against individuals involved in writing unauthorized remarks on the passports of Nepali citizens traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on visit visas. An internal investigation has been launched to identify and penalize employees engaged in practices outside existing laws and official procedures. The department clarified that there is no legal provision allowing departure restrictions or conditions beyond those defined by law. It emphasized ongoing efforts to curb fraud and exploitation faced by travelers at different stages of foreign travel. Under a Government of Nepal decision dated October 30, 2025, departure procedures have been simplified. Nepali citizens traveling on visit visas are permitted to leave the country through self-declaration, provided they hold a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed flight ticket, and a valid visa for the destination country.

Nepal Embassy Rescues 46 Citizens from Cambodia

The Nepali Embassy in Bangkok successfully rescued 46 Nepali nationals from Cambodia who were being forced into illegal activities. All rescued individuals have been safely repatriated to Nepal with the assistance of the Cambodian government. Records show a significant surge in Nepalis traveling to Cambodia for employment, rising from 101 in 2021 to 9,676 in 2025. Authorities have issued a strong advisory urging citizens not to travel to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Thailand for work without obtaining formal labor permits to avoid exploitation.

Sudurpashchim Records Lowest Capital Expenditure at 16.42%

The Sudurpashchim Province government recorded its lowest capital expenditure in recent years, spending only 16.42% of its development budget by the end of April 13. Out of a total capital budget of Rs 19.838 billion, only Rs 3.258 billion has been utilized. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development, which holds the largest budget, spent only Rs 2.659 billion. Delays in contract awards and internal ministerial disputes have been cited as primary reasons for the slow spending, leaving Rs 25.666 billion to be spent in the remaining three months.

Customs Enforcement Tightened on Goods Worth Over Rs 100 in Bhairahawa

The Bhairahawa Customs Office has strictly enforced the mandatory collection of customs duties on all household goods valued at over Rs 100 brought from Indian border markets. Security forces, including the Armed Police Force, are using megaphones at the Belahiya and Farenia crossings to inform the public of the directive. While the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the move to protect local businesses, some consumers have expressed concerns over the low threshold. Customs officials emphasized that this measure aims to control revenue leakage and discourage illegal imports, despite the practical challenges for low-income individuals.

Nawalparasi Transport Office Collects Rs 235.4 Million in Nine Months

The Transport Management Office in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Purba) collected Rs 235.4 in revenue during the nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. The largest share came from vehicle taxes, totaling Rs 191.2 million, while driving licenses and registration fees accounted for Rs 40.9 million. A special enforcement campaign in mid-March alone generated Rs 48 million. This intensified effort in tax collection follows provincial government plans to improve transparency and efficiency in transport services.

Kathmandu Police Claim Rs 227.5 Million in Money Laundering Cases

District Police Range Kathmandu registered 1,166 cases between March 15 and April 13, including major financial and heinous crimes. In two specific money laundering cases, police filed claims worth Rs 227.5 million against three defendants. Furthermore, seven individuals were arrested in three separate hundi cases involving claims of Rs 15.6 million. Police also apprehended a Chinese national in Thamel for illegal virtual currency trading amounting to Rs 177.9 million, while recovering 159 missing persons during the same period.

Department Monitors 56 Commercial Firms in Single-Day Inspection

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection conducted field inspections of 56 commercial firms across Kathmandu on Wednesday. The monitoring focused on essential food items and daily consumer goods to ensure compliance with billing and price listing regulations. During the inspections, officials verified whether businesses were issuing invoices, displaying visible price lists, and fulfilling tax obligations according to the law. The department issued corrective instructions to several firms and stated that the involvement of consumer rights activists in these inspections aims to strengthen market transparency and protect consumer rights.

Rs 146.1 Million Talam-Dhorpatan Road Project Begins Blacktopping

Blacktopping work has commenced on the Talam section of the Darbang-Muna-Dhorpatan road in Myagdi as part of a strategic infrastructure upgrade. The 6 kilometers stretch from Dharapani to Jhindanda is being improved by Ram Sagar BK S KBS Dhaulagiri JV under a contract worth Rs 146.1 million. Currently, the project has achieved 84% physical progress, providing an essential link for residents across 5 wards. Additionally, another phase covering 11 kilometers has been contracted for Rs 588 million, which will eventually shorten the route to Pokhara and Kathmandu by 50 kilometers.

2 New Bridges Completed in Rishing Rural Municipality

Two vital infrastructure projects, an iron bridge and a suspension bridge, have been completed in Rishing Rural Municipality, Tanahun. The iron bridge, connecting wards 5 and 7, was built at a cost of Rs 3.2 million, while the suspension bridge linking wards 4 and 7 cost Rs 3.4 million. Constructed through the NGO Network Tanahun, these structures aim to eliminate the risks of crossing rivers during the monsoon season. The bridges are expected to significantly enhance local market access, health services, and educational activities by shortening travel distances between villages.

Jumla Produces Over 18,245 Metric Tons of Apples This Season

Jumla has recorded a total apple production of 18,245 metric tons this year, with high-density Fuji and Gala varieties gaining popularity among farmers. Currently, apple cultivation spans 4,497 hectares in the district, with 2,165 hectares actively producing fruit. Approximately 16,000 out of 19,000 households in Jumla are involved in apple farming. While apple orchards are currently in full bloom, farmers remain concerned about black frost, which often damages the blossoms during the mid-March-to-mid-May season.

Jumla Exports Rs 35 Million Worth of Marshi Rice in 5 Months

Jumla exported 175 tons of indigenous Marshi rice between mid-October 2025 and mid-March 2026, generating approximately Rs 35 million. The demand for this unique crop, grown at the world’s highest altitude in Chhumchaur, has surged in national and international organic markets. Currently, local ‘Marshi’ rice is cultivated across 1,068 hectares, accounting for 37% of the district’s total paddy land. Despite its economic potential, production has been threatened by river erosion and crop diseases, leading the Agriculture Research Center to recommend improved varieties like Chandanath-1 and 3 to ensure sustainable yields.

Spring Maize Cultivation Expands Across 56 Hectares in Banke

Farmers in Banke are increasingly turning to spring maize as a lucrative cash crop, with cultivation now covering over 56 hectares of land. Significant commercial farming is concentrated in Raptisonari Rural Municipality, spanning 46 hectares, and Khajura Rural Municipality, covering 10 hectares. The Agriculture Knowledge Center is supporting this growth by providing seeds, technical training, and machinery to combat pests like the fall armyworm. Farmers are attracted to spring maize because it requires less water and labor compared to other crops while providing high yields and a guaranteed market from local poultry feed industries.

Capital Adequacy Ratios of Five Microfinance Institutions Fall Below Limit

Data from Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reveals that the capital adequacy ratios of five microfinance institutions have dropped below the mandatory regulatory limit as of January 14, 2026. While institutions are required to maintain a minimum capital fund of 8%, Matribhumi Microfinance recorded the lowest at 4.78%. Other struggling institutions include Community Microfinance at 6.27%, Forward Microfinance at 6.77%, Unique Nepal Microfinance at 7.35%, and NADEP Microfinance at 7.70%. These institutions face restrictions on dividend distribution and business expansion until their capital positions are improved through recovery or fresh capital injection.

Eighteen Associations Threaten Protests Over FNCCI Membership Dispute

At least 18 business associations have filed a formal petition with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), threatening phased protests if their voting rights are not restored. The dispute stems from a Patan High Court interim order issued on April 8, which halted the general assembly until membership issues were resolved. The associations claim that proceeding with the general assembly without granting them membership, as previously directed by a mandamus, constitutes contempt of court. They are demanding that the FNCCI implement the court’s decision before setting any new dates for its annual general meeting.

Insurance Authority Seeks Clarification from Himalayan Reinsurance CEO

The Nepal Insurance Authority has issued a seven days clarification notice to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and four high-level managers of Himalayan Reinsurance. The notice, which asks why they should not be suspended, follows allegations of serious financial crisis management failures and a lack of oversight regarding promoter activities. Key officials including CEO Upasana Poudel and Deputy CEO Mukesh Kumar Kapur must respond to queries regarding delayed payments to non-life insurance companies. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation within the deadline could lead to their dismissal as the authority investigates the company’s financial stability.

Sopan Pharmaceuticals Opens Rs 347.4 Million IPO

Sopan Pharmaceuticals Limited launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public on Thursday, offering 3.4 million shares valued at Rs 347.4 million. This follows the first phase of the issuance, where 429,000 shares were allocated to Nepali workers abroad. The company has an authorized capital of Rs 1.716 billion. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 11,000 shares until April 19. NMB Capital is managing the sale, which is accessible through C-ASBA member banks and the Mero Share platform.

Gold, Silver Prices Rise Slightly Today

There has been a slight increase in the price of gold and silver in the market today. Gold has increased by Rs 100 per tola (11.66 grams) and silver by Rs 30. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold today is set at Rs 302,800 per tola, and the price of the same quantity of white metal is Rs 5,250. Yesterday, Wednesday, fine gold was traded at Rs 302,700 per tola, and the same quantity of silver was traded at Rs 5,220.