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:

Egg Prices Increased for 2nd  Time in 4 Days

The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has raised egg prices for the second time in four days, citing rising production costs and market conditions. Effective Tuesday, the farm price of XL eggs has been increased to Rs 515 per crate, large eggs to Rs 500, and medium eggs to Rs 470, all up by Rs 50 per crate. The price of small eggs has risen by Rs 200 per case to Rs 2,900. Following the latest revision, the recommended retail price has been set at Rs 25 per egg. The association had previously revised prices effective July 18.

NEPSE Rises by 7.25 Points with Rs 6.67 Billion Turnover

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) edged up 7.25 points, or 0.26 percent, on Tuesday to close at 2,726.49, extending Monday’s gains. Daily turnover rose to Rs 6.67 billion from Rs 5.51 billion, with 14.92 million shares of 343 companies traded through 75,010 transactions. Share prices of 103 companies advanced, 162 declined, and 12 remained unchanged. Among sectoral indices, Commercial Banks, Investment, Manufacturing and Processing, Others, and Trading posted gains, while eight sectors ended lower. Ridi Power Company led trading with Rs 557.7 million in turnover, while Everest Color was the day’s top gainer.

Govt. Suspends 3% Equity on Private Education and Healthcare

Prime Minister Balendra Balen Shah announced the suspension of the newly introduced 3 percent Education Equity Fee and Health Equity Fee on Tuesday, following consultations with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. While the tax was initially intended to fund healthcare, education in remote regions, and health insurance, strong public feedback prompted the suspension to prevent financial strain. The government reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare by strictly implementing an existing 10 percent quota for free services in private hospitals and a 10 percent scholarship seat reservation in private colleges and universities.

Ministry Introduces Daily, Bi-Monthly Gift Scheme to Promote Bill Collection

The Ministry of Finance has introduced the ‘Taxpayer Incentive Gift Program Operating Procedure, 2026’ to encourage consumers to request official bills for purchases exceeding Rs 100. Under the new scheme, one daily winner will receive Rs 133,034, while two bi-monthly winners will each receive a bumper prize of Rs 1 million. Consumers can register eligible transactions through the Inland Revenue Department portal, with winners subject to a 25 percent tax deduction under the Income Tax Act, 2002. Unclaimed prizes will be deposited into the prime minister’s disaster relief fund.

PM Shah Pledges Support to Revive Garment Industry

To restore Nepal’s ready-made garment sector to its former economic strength, the government is introducing targeted interventions aimed at resolving long-standing industry bottlenecks. Following a high-level consultation at the Prime Minister’s Office with representatives from the Garment Association Nepal, Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah instructed ministries to clear pending administrative delays, form a dedicated Textile Council, and restart factories that have been shuttered for over two decades. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with resolving laboratory testing hurdles that currently restrict exports to the United States, driving a broader strategy to substitute imports and boost national exports.

Ministry Mandates Prior Approval for Vehicle Purchases and Foreign Travel

The Ministry of Finance has issued guidelines requiring government offices to obtain prior approval before purchasing new four-legged vehicles or organizing foreign travel from allocated budgets. Released on Monday, the directive emphasizes maximum austerity in administrative expenditures, including utility, fuel, maintenance, and office supplies. Government agencies must prioritize utilizing vacant state-owned buildings before renting alternative properties. Furthermore, payments exceeding Rs 1 billion must be reported to the ministry within seven days to manage cash flow effectively, with bi-monthly reviews established to monitor fiscal risk.

Lumbini Province Makes Industry Registration and Renewal Free

Lumbini Province has officially waived all fees for industry registration and renewal starting July 17. Implemented through the provincial budget to attract investments and stimulate local enterprise, the initiative eliminates fees for all businesses excluding alcohol and tobacco manufacturing. The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Transport allocated Rs 520 million to expand the enterprise development fund, seed capital, and subsidized loans under the ‘Entrepreneurial Lumbini Campaign’, aiming to generate at least 1,000 self-employment and 5,000 job opportunities.

SSF Accumulates Over Rs 116 Billion by Last FY

The Social Security Fund has accumulated a total contribution of Rs 116.718 billion by the end of the fiscal year 2025/26. Contributions were made by 23,490 registered employers and 3043,200 contributors, bolstered by the inclusion of migrant workers heading abroad for employment. The fund has disbursed a total of Rs 21.27 billion in claims, including Rs 17.064 billion for retirement schemes, alongside medical, accident, and dependent family protections.

Inland Revenue Office Tulsipur Collects Over Rs 4 Billion

The Inland Revenue Office, Tulsipur, collected Rs 4.306 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26, achieving 85.21 percent of its target. The collection includes Rs 2.388 billion from income tax and Rs 1.001 billion from value-added tax. Serving approximately 100,000 taxpayers across Dang, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan, Rukum Purba, and Rukum Paschim, the office maintained operations from a rented dharmashala after its previous building was damaged during civil unrest.

Nepal and Spain Chambers to Sign MoU

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce have agreed to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding by late 2026 or early 2027 to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The decision was finalized in Kathmandu, Nepal, during a meeting with a visiting Spanish delegation led by Inmaculada Riera i Reñé, Director General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. As an immediate step, a business delegation of eight to nine Spanish companies will visit Nepal around February-March 2027 for a bilateral business forum. Priority sectors for joint investment include renewable energy, smart cities, and infrastructure, while Spain offered expertise in clean energy and agriculture.

Govt. Directs Local-Level Staff to Remain at Stations Amid Disaster Risks

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has instructed employees of district coordination committees and local levels to remain at their duty stations due to escalating risks from continuous rainfall, floods, and landslides. A circular issued by the ministry mandates that all staff stay accessible to ensure effective disaster management, search and rescue operations, relief distribution, and public service delivery. Personnel currently on leave have been directed to shorten their leave and report back to their offices immediately. Local units are also required to maintain continuous coordination with district administration offices, security forces, and provincial authorities.

13 Local Units Fail to Present Budget for Current FY

Out of 753 local government units nationwide, 13 local units have failed to present their budgets for the current fiscal year. According to portal data from the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, 10 local units in Madhesh Province including Sukhipur Municipality, Aurahi Rural Municipality, and Kamala Municipality alongside Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City in Koshi Province, and Kothimai and Shuddhodhan Rural Municipalities in Lumbini Province, have not brought forth their financial plans. Political disputes and technical difficulties were cited as the primary reasons for the delay, while all local units in Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces completed the process within mid-July.

Department Issued Survey Permits For 99 Hydropower Projects

The Department of Electricity Development issued survey permits for 99 hydropower projects with a total capacity of 3,211 megawatts during the fiscal year 2025/26. Permits were also issued for 7 solar energy projects totaling 311 megawatts, alongside various transmission line projects including 179 circuit kilometers for 220 kilovolts and 270 circuit kilometers for 132 kilovolts. Additionally, 29 generation licenses were granted for 1,857 megawatts of hydropower capacity. The department collects approximately Rs 3.5 billion in annual royalties, which are distributed to provincial and local levels to support regional development.

Flood-Damaged EVs Worth Rs 88.69 Million Abandoned at Rasuwa Customs

Eleven electric vehicles valued at Rs 88.69 million, damaged by a flood in the Lhende River on July 8, 2025, have remained abandoned at the Timure Customs Office in Rasuwa, Nepal. Importer CG Motors has not claimed the unsellable vehicles, including 10 Xpeng G6 cars valued at Rs 84.99 million and an electric van worth Rs 3.7 million, due to pending insurance processing and required customs duties of approximately Rs 33.9 million. Customs officer Chandiraj Gelal stated that authorities cannot auction the vehicles until the importer submits a formal disaster declaration.

Traffic Police in Siraha Collect Over Rs 11 Million in Revenue

The District Traffic Police Office, Siraha, collected Rs 11.4 million in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26. Authorities penalized 13,416 vehicles for traffic violations, compared to the previous fiscal year 2024/25, when 32,157 vehicle drivers were fined, generating Rs 25.1 million. During 2025/26, the district recorded 1,020 accidents resulting in the deaths of 62 men, seven women, and 12 children, alongside 1,676 injuries. Police noted that increased awareness and regular checks helped reduce overall fatalities.

Govt. Launches Online Portal for Free Foreign Employment Fraud Complaints

The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has launched an online portal named ‘Ujuri Dofe Government Nepal’ to allow citizens to file complaints regarding foreign employment fraud from their homes. Operational since July 17, the digital platform enables victims to track the progress of their cases using a unique tracking code received via SMS and email. During an inspection at the Department of Foreign Employment, Labor Minister Ramjee Yadav emphasized that the system eliminates the need for victims to travel physically to Kathmandu, noting that 14 complaints have already been successfully registered within the first four days.

14 Nepali Leaders Complete in YSALI Program in United States

At least 14 Nepali leaders participated in the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI) in the United States, where they engaged with American universities, businesses, policymakers, and innovation hubs to explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth, the US Embassy said on Monday. The participants joined emerging leaders from across South Asia in workshops, discussions, and site visits, including a meeting with US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers at the US Department of State. According to the embassy, the program aims to strengthen leadership, foster regional cooperation, and promote trade, investment, and technology collaboration between the United States and South Asian countries, including Nepal.

Commerce Department Fines 2 Businesses

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has taken action against two enterprises for their failure to abide by business ethics and rules. The Eve Collection at Imadol of Mahalaxmi Municipality-2 in Lalitpur was fined Rs 10,000 after the Department’s inspection team found faults in business practices. A fine of Rs 5,000 was imposed on the Amisa Store of Subidhanagar in Kathmandu. The Department invoked the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, to take action against these firms. At least 10 firms were inspected by the authority on Monday. Among these, eight firms were urged to improve business practice. The Department made it clear that it punished and issued instructions to the faulty enterprises as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and the Consumer Protection Regulations, 2019.

PCMC Refunds Savings to Small Depositors in Lalitpur and Tapai Hamro

The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee (PCMC) successfully refunded savings to small depositors from Lalitpur Cooperative and Tapai Hamro Cooperative. According to the committee, savings were returned to 35 depositors of Lalitpur Cooperative and 90 depositors of Tapai Hamro Cooperative. The government clarified that the refunded funds were recovered directly through loan collections and asset management from troubled cooperatives, prioritizing depositors with smaller savings amounts in this initial phase as part of continuous legal procedures.

Gold Traded at Rs 285,600; Silver at Rs 4,370 Today

Gold and silver prices increased in the domestic market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of gold rose by Rs 1,000 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 285,600, up from Rs 284,600 on Monday. Silver also gained Rs 50 per tola, with its price reaching Rs 4,370, compared with Rs 4,320 a day earlier. In the international market, gold was trading at around USD 4,063 per ounce on Tuesday.