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:

Finance Minister Wagle Urges Banks to Become Trusted Partners of Citizens

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said that banks should serve as trusted partners of Nepali citizens, emphasizing that their primary purpose is to promote public welfare and safeguard the interests of the people. Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of the Bagmati Provincial Office and City Office of Nepal Bank Limited in Hetauda, Minister Wagle highlighted the bank’s proud history spanning more than eight decades. Recalling that Nepal Bank has maintained a presence in Hetauda since 1968, he urged employees to preserve the institution’s rich legacy and traditions while embracing modern, technology-driven banking services.

Industrial Area Industries Pay Rs 320 Million in Rent Amid Dispute

Industries operating in industrial areas have paid Rs 320 million in rent following enforcement actions by the Industrial Area Management Limited. After issuing a seven-day notice on June 8, industries began clearing dues, especially after electricity connections were cut for non-payment. While around Rs 850 million was initially outstanding under revised rates, management has now recovered Rs 320 million. Officials said industries have started paying after court disputes over rent rates and utility disconnections intensified enforcement measures.

Nepal Suspends Private Hospital Health Insurance Services

The government has suspended health insurance services in private hospitals from May 30, 2026 until further notice, except for emergency cases. The Health Insurance Board said the decision was taken due to a severe financial crisis, affecting insured services such as OPD, diagnostics, surgery, medicines, and regular treatment across hundreds of private hospitals and medical colleges. The board currently owes Rs 16 billion to service providers, who have long complained about delayed payments and procedural delays.

Government Courier Service Expands Rapidly Across Nepal

The government’s “Government Courier Service” under the Postal Services Department has made progress in delivering passports, driving licenses, health materials, and educational certificates to citizens’ homes under a 100-point reform plan and “Smart Postal” system. Until June 18, 1,81,843 passports and 5,78,053 driving licenses were dispatched, with 4,642 passports and 1,081 licenses delivered at home. Talks are ongoing with Tribhuvan University for home delivery of academic certificates, while 266 have already been transported. In health services, 1,124 lab samples and medical materials were delivered. The department has upgraded tracking systems, postal routes, introduced a 7-digit postal code, and developed 50 smart post offices.

1,438 Nepali Migrant Workers Die Abroad in Ten Months

A total of 1,438 Nepali migrant workers died abroad from the start of the current fiscal year to May, according to the Foreign Employment Board. During the same period, 960 workers became injured or ill, and 194 were rescued or traced. The bodies of 905 deceased workers were repatriated to their home districts. The Board also provided financial assistance of around Rs 1.43 billion to families of deceased workers, with Rs 1 million distributed per family. Rising migration has also increased the financial burden on the Board due to growing compensation obligations.

Government Probes Rs 197.73 Billion Agriculture Subsidy Distribution

The government has launched a detailed investigation into the effectiveness, misuse, and actual reach of nearly Rs 197.73 billion in agricultural subsidies distributed over the past decade. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has formed a five-member high-level committee to study subsidies provided since fiscal year 2015/16. The Office of the Auditor General has noted that despite rising subsidy allocations each year, agricultural production has not improved as expected.

Government Prioritizes High-Value, Low-Volume Export Goods

The government has decided to prioritize the export of high-value and low-volume goods as transportation costs rise due to Nepal’s geography and weak infrastructure. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, under the implementation plan of the Trade Policy 2024, has proposed facilitating geographical indication, organic certification, and quality certification to promote such exports. The plan also includes identifying and prioritizing additional high-value, low-volume products to boost export competitiveness.

NEA Directs Hydropower Developers to Submit Progress Reports

The Electricity Trade Department under the Nepal Electricity Authority has directed hydropower developers with Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) whose projects are under construction to mandatorily submit progress reports. Issuing a notice, the department said quarterly reporting is required under the PPA. All developers must submit updated progress details within 7 days of the notice.

NEA Household Electricity Consumers Exceed 2.6 million

Around 2.6 million household customers of the Nepal Electricity Authority consume more than 50 units of electricity per month, while consumption varies across categories: 1.99 million households use up to 20 units, 421,000 use 21–30 units, 615,000 use 31–50 units, 1.075 million use 51–100 units, 1.089 million use 101–250 units, and 442,000 consume more than 250 units. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has not yet clarified VAT application details, creating uncertainty over tax distribution among consumers.

Saudi Arabia Firm on Implementing Skill Certification for Nepali Workers

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nepal has confirmed that the mandatory Skill Verification Program (SVP) for Nepali migrant workers will launch on July 1, rejecting requests for postponement. Saudi Ambassador Fahd Mohammad A. Mnikhr clarified that the state policy features a capped fee of USD 50 (around Rs 7,500), with testing centers expanding to Kathmandu, Lumbini, Janakpur, Narayangarh, and Mahottari. However, the Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association has strongly condemned the move, appealing to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Labor Ministry to intervene.

RSP Convention Turns Monsoon Off-Season into Hotel Boom in Chitwan

Hotels and resorts across Chitwan’s key tourism hubs—Sauraha, Bharatpur, and nearby Gaindakot—are witnessing unusually high occupancy as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) holds its first general convention in Bharatpur. Normally considered the monsoon off-season, mid-June to August usually sees hotels cutting staff due to low tourist arrivals. This year, however, the situation has reversed, with many properties reporting full or near-full occupancy, resembling peak tourist season demand. According to the Hotel Association Chitwan, the influx includes delegates, party leaders, observers, media personnel, and supporters arriving for the convention.

Sudurpaschim Budget Plagued by Fragmented Projects and Political Bargaining

Sudurpaschim Province’s budget has been heavily criticized for including fragmented and unplanned projects due to political bargaining among ruling coalition parties. Although a consensus had been reached that projects below Rs 2.5 million would not be included, the final budget presented on June 15 violated these standards. Despite guidelines requiring minimum project costs of Rs 25 million for provincial execution, hundreds of substandard projects were included. Similarly, building projects worth Rs 1 million to Rs 2 million were listed despite a minimum requirement of Rs 4 million.

140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project Advances Community Works

Seven community-based projects are under construction in the Tanahu Hydropower Project area at Jhapatutar, Rishing Rural Municipality-1. As part of community responsibility initiatives, two projects were completed in April 2026, including drainage construction on the Kilchok branch road in Myagde-3 and a drinking water source and pipeline improvement project in Hokshetar, Rishing-1. A total of 96 projects have been completed so far in the affected area.

Over 700,000 Tourists Visit Mustang in 11 Months

More than 700,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited Mustang in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Ghansa Border Police Office, a total of 705,754 tourists entered Mustang via the Beni–Jomsom road from mid-July 2025 to mid-June 2026. This figure is almost equal to last fiscal year’s total arrivals of 705,779 tourists, indicating a steady flow of visitors to the region.

Chaudhary Group Companies Record Rs 1.11 Billion Turnover in Six Months

Two companies under Chaudhary Group—EOL and CG Electronics—recorded a combined turnover of Rs 1.11 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year. EOL alone earned Rs 963 million, while CG Electronics generated Rs 149 million from the sale of household electrical appliances of various brands. EOL, established in 2009, had previously recorded Rs 2.187 billion in 2023, Rs 1.85 billion in 2024, Rs 1.749 billion in 2022, and Rs 2.012 billion in earlier years, reflecting fluctuating annual performance despite steady market presence in consumer electronics distribution.

Shivam Cement Earns Rs 619 Million Profit in Nine Months

Shivam Cement has earned a net profit of Rs 619 million during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The company’s turnover during the same period reached Rs 4.955 billion. In previous years, the company had recorded a net profit of Rs 798 million, Rs 260 million in 2024, and Rs 595 million in 2023. Its annual turnover figures were Rs 7.767 billion in 2025, Rs 7.704 billion in 2024, and Rs 7.753 billion in 2023, indicating relatively stable revenue performance over the years despite fluctuations in profit.

Ncell Partners with Trip Turbo to Offer Travel Discounts

Ncell customers can now receive discounts on bus and flight ticket bookings as well as adventure activities through a new partnership with Trip Turbo. Customers can save up to Rs 8,000 under this scheme. All users who purchase a pack worth Rs 99 or more are eligible for the offer, which can be accessed through the “Partnered Services” section in the Ncell app under Trip Turbo services.

Gold and Silver Prices Rise in Nepali Market

The price of gold in the Nepali market increased by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams). According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold is being traded at Rs 287,300 per tola, up from Rs 286,700 on June 19. Similarly, silver prices also increased by Rs 50 per tola to reach Rs 4,690, compared to Rs 4,640 in the previous trading session.