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:

NRB Absorbs Rs 100 Billion Excess Liquidity from Banking System

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) absorbed Rs 100 billion from the banking system on Friday to manage excess liquidity. The central bank used a deposit collection instrument with a 56 days maturity period, following a bidding process held at 3:00 PM. Licensed commercial, development, and finance companies were eligible to participate with a minimum bid of Rs 100 million. The NRB stated that this move was necessary as the banking system faced a surplus of investable funds. The principal and interest for these deposits are scheduled to be repaid to the participating financial institutions on June 10.

NEPSE Edges Up 0.18 Percent on Final Trading Day

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 5.36 points or 0.18 percent on Friday to close at 2,838.40, while the Sensitive Index slipped 0.12 percent to 476.87. A total of 18.06 million shares of 335 companies were traded through 96,573 transactions, with turnover at Rs 7.46 billion. Share prices of 108 companies increased, 150 declined, and 12 remained unchanged. Five sector indices gained, led by hotels and tourism and manufacturing, while eight declined. Four companies hit the positive circuit breaker during the session.

Foreign Investment Approvals Reach Rs 41.79 Billion in 9 Months

Foreign investment approvals in Nepal totaled Rs 41.79 billion during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. However, the Department of Industry reports a significant slowdown, with 79% of the total commitment received in just the first two months. In the first month of the current fiscal year, a single Chinese project for a meat processing plant in Sindhuli accounted for Rs 20 billion. Since then, monthly commitments have dwindled, hitting a low of Rs 380 million in around February. Despite government reforms like the ‘automatic route,’ investment attraction has dropped by Rs 16 billion compared to the same period last year.

Govt. Bans Local Taxes on Goods Transported Across Local Units

The Inter-Governmental Finance Council has decided that local units are no longer permitted to levy taxes on goods being transported from one local unit to another. During a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Swornim Wagle on Wednesday, it was clarified that such taxes violate the spirit of the Constitution of Nepal. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has been instructed to notify all local levels to immediately scrap any existing fees on the movement of goods. The meeting included provincial finance ministers and officials from the Nepal Rastra Bank emphasizing that trade barriers between local jurisdictions must be removed.

NEPSE Implements New Circuit Breaker Rules on Monday

The Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) will enforce new circuit breaker regulations starting Monday (April20) under the Securities Trading Operation (Fourth Amendment) Bylaws, 2026. Trading will now halt for 15 minutes if the NEPSE index fluctuates by 5% within the first two hours. If the index changes by 8% at any time, trading will close for the day. Additionally, the daily price fluctuation limit for individual companies has been increased from 10% to 15%. The new rules also allow for the entry of trading orders after market hours, which brokers must prioritize and enter into the system once the next session opens.

Project Bank Entry Deadline Extended to April 23

The National Planning Commission has extended the deadline for entering new projects into the National Project Bank until April 23. Although the National Project Bank (Operation and Management) Standards, 2025, initially required entries for the next fiscal year to be completed by mid-March, the commission granted multiple extensions following requests from various ministries. Officials noted that technical preparations and the correction of previously submitted formats required more time. The commission decided on this final extension during a meeting on April 13 to ensure that all upcoming national projects are properly documented and vetted before the budget planning phase.

Bagmati Province Capital Expenditure Stands at 23.09%

The Bagmati Province recorded a capital expenditure of only 23.09% during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Out of the total budget of Rs 67.477 billion, the provincial government has spent Rs 19.425 billion, or 28.79%. According to official Indraraj Sanjyal, current expenditure reached 37.86%. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism had the lowest spending at 14.01%. Delays were attributed to infrastructure damage and administrative disruptions caused by the Gen Z protests that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2025.

Sudurpashchim Province Commits Rs 5.15 Billion to Multi-Year Projects

The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Sudurpashchim Province has granted source approval for 71 new multi-year projects worth Rs 5.154 billion. These projects, which include 21 roads, 19 bridges, and 16 water supply schemes, are slated for completion by the fiscal year 2028/29. The government has already allocated Rs 921.5 million for the current fiscal year. With these additions, the province’s total multi-year projects now exceed 250, creating a total financial liability of Rs 13.707 billion. Officials expressed concern that adding new projects while old ones remain unfinished places a heavy burden on the annual development budget.

Jumla Inland Revenue Collects Rs 252.8 Million in 9 Months

The Inland Revenue Office in Jumla collected Rs 252.8 million in revenue during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This represents 84.40% of the Rs 293 million target set for the period ending April 13. Income tax accounted for the largest share at Rs 181.8 million, while Value Added Tax (VAT) collections reached Rs 53.2 million, achieving 98.54% of their specific target. The office, which covers Jumla, Mugu, and Kalikot, has intensified door-to-door campaigns and SMS alerts to encourage tax compliance among its 16,922 registered taxpayers.

Subsidies Announced to Promote Quality Seed Production

The Department of Agriculture has called on local levels and seed producers to participate in a promotion subsidy program for improved seeds. Director General Prakash Kumar Sanjel announced that the deadline for submitting supply and demand details is April 23. Under the program, source seed producers will receive Rs 20 per kg for bold/medium varieties, Rs 23 for fine varieties, and Rs 34 for local Khumal series varieties. Improved seed producers are eligible for subsidies ranging from Rs 17 to Rs 30 per kg. Additionally, farmers will receive a 50% price subsidy on all rice seed varieties.

Government Simplifies Visa Process for Foreign Aviation Personnel

The government has streamlined the non-tourist visa recommendation process for foreign manpower working in Nepali airline companies following the implementation of the Aviation Service Management Regulations, 2026. Previously, airlines had to apply through the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. Under the new Rule 23, sub-rule 3, airlines can now apply directly to the Ministry. The Ministry will then coordinate with CAAN for the necessary recommendations. This adjustment aims to accelerate administrative procedures for foreign pilots, engineers, and technical staff essential to the domestic aviation industry.

Foreign Ministry Prioritizes Digital Diplomacy and Economic Growth

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted a virtual meeting on Thursday with heads of Nepali diplomatic missions in West Asia and Africa. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal instructed missions to prioritize economic diplomacy to achieve good governance and national prosperity. He urged the use of innovative digital technologies to make public service delivery more effective for Nepali citizens abroad. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai also emphasized increasing efficiency through technology. Ambassadors and consuls general briefed the ministry on the security status of Nepali citizens in their respective regions and discussed new practices adopted to resolve local challenges and improve consular services.

Ward Office Provides Rs 100,000 Health Insurance to Students

The Bhirkot Municipality-8 ward office has launched a free health insurance scheme for 600 students studying in 11 community schools. Effective from April 14, students from nursery to grade 10 are covered for up to Rs 100,000 under the child-friendly governance initiative. Ward Chair Nandlal Khanal stated that the insurance is based on birth registration and applies to any student residing in the ward, regardless of whether they attend community or private institutions. This ward also encourages birth registration by depositing Rs 5,000 into bank accounts opened for newborn children.

Rs 17.7 Million Allocated for Pavement of 18-Year-Old Road

After 18 years since the track was first opened, the Beni-Pulachaur-Todke road in Myagdi is finally being upgraded with concrete and blacktopping. Beni Municipality has prioritized this pride project with an estimated cost of Rs 17.7 million. Riveredge Engineering and Builders secured the contract for Rs 12.2 million and has already completed 50% of the work. According to sub-engineer Milan KC, the project includes 597 meters of concrete pavement and 300 meters of premix blacktopping, aimed at facilitating tourists visiting religious sites like Jagannath and Todke.

Butwal City Removes Unauthorized Businesses

Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has intensified a campaign to remove unauthorized businesses and parking from footpaths and roadsides. The operation targeted major areas including Amarpath, Traffic Chowk, Ram Mandir Line, and the Bus Park stretch. Mayor Khelraj Pandey stated that the city resorted to using dozers after repeated requests to clear the streets were ignored by vendors. The initiative, supported by local business organizations, aims to ensure the rights of pedestrians to walk safely and to create a more organized market environment. The city had previously issued warnings through loudspeakers for three days before beginning the enforcement action.

KOICA Provides USD 2.5 Million for Nepali Migrant Workers

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has announced a financial aid package of USD 2.5 million to support the reintegration of Nepali migrant workers returning from South Korea. The funding is dedicated to a project aimed at strengthening the step-by-step support system for returnees to prevent financial instability. By utilizing the skills and experiences gained in Korea, the project seeks to encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to local economic development. KOICA stated that this initiative will help returnees stay active in enterprises and ensure their successful transition back into the Nepali labor market and society.

Department Monitors 53 Business Firms in One Day

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection inspected 53 business firms in the Khichapokhari area of Kathmandu on Thursday. The aggressive monitoring campaign focused on verifying the issuance of invoices and ensuring compliance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2026. All inspected establishments, including various shops and trading firms, received corrective instructions from the department. These regular market inspections are conducted in the presence of local representatives and consumer rights activists to protect public interests and maintain market transparency. The department emphasized that such oversight remains a priority to ensure businesses provide mandatory information to consumers.

Rs 150 Million Loss in Janakpur Refinery Fire

A massive fire at the Janakpur Refinery in Dhalkebar, Mithila Municipality-7, resulted in damages worth Rs 150 million late Thursday night. The manager of the refinery confirmed that essential steam and thermo-fuel machines were completely destroyed in the blaze. It took two hours for five fire engines from Janakpur, Mahendranagar, and Dhalkebar, alongside personnel from the police, the Armed Police Force, and the army, to extinguish the flames. Inspector Laxman KC of the Area Police Office stated that a full assessment of the damages is underway, while the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline, with Gold Rate set at Rs 299,800

The prices of gold and silver have declined in the market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 3,000 per tola today and has been fixed at Rs 299,800. On the previous day, Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 302,800 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also seen a decline. According to the federation, silver, which was traded at Rs 5,250 per tola on Thursday, decreased by Rs 120 on Friday and has been maintained at Rs 5,130.