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 Falls 17.91 Points as Turnover Reaches Rs 5.774 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) declined by 17.91 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,807.31, a 0.63 percent drop. The Sensitive Index fell 3.07 points to 470.63, while most sector indices also ended in the red. A total of 13.01 million shares of 347 companies were traded through 95,800 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 5.774 billion, slightly higher than Monday’s Rs 5.434 billion. Only the Hotel and Tourism group gained, rising 1.16 percent, while other sectors, including Hydropower, Finance, and Non-Life Insurance, recorded losses. Out of all traded companies, 215 declined, 48 advanced, and 6 remained unchanged.

Trade Deficit Hits Rs 1.267 Trillion in 9 Months

The country’s trade deficit reached Rs 1.267 trillion during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. Data shows total imports valued at Rs 1.490 trillion, while exports stood at only Rs 222 billion. Petroleum products and agricultural goods dominated imports, with Rs 103 billion spent on diesel alone. Agricultural imports totaled Rs 317 billion, while smartphones entered the top five import categories at Rs 25.62 billion.

Rice Imports Worth Rs 32.51 Billion in 9 Months

The country imported over Rs 32.51 billion worth of paddy and rice during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Department of Customs, a total of 638,787 tons of paddy, rice, broken rice, and seeds were imported. Notably, the import of Basmati rice rose to 59,819 tons, valued at Rs 6.818 billion. Additionally, paddy seed imports nearly tripled, reaching 851 tons valued at Rs 380 million.

Exports of Refined Oil Worth Over Rs 100 Billion

The country exported refined oil worth Rs 102.76 billion during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. Soybean oil accounted for the largest share at Rs 90.71 billion, an increase of Rs 28 billion compared to last year. While refined oil exports exceeded Rs 100 billion, the import of raw materials was higher, with crude soybean oil imports reaching Rs 96.72 billion. Total crude oil imports for processing stood at Rs 121 billion.

Smartphone Imports Surge to Rs 33.82 Billion in Nine Months

The country imported 1,674,000 smartphones worth over Rs 33.82 billion during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. This marks a significant increase from the 1,585,000 units valued at Rs 25.38 billion imported in the same period last year. China remains the top supplier, contributing 1.4 million units worth Rs 25.65 billion. Consequently, the government collected over Rs 6.30 billion in customs revenue.

Electric Vehicle Imports Decline by 10% in 9 Months

The import of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country has decreased by nearly 10% during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. Only 7,173 EV units were imported, compared to 7,967 units last year. These imports were valued at Rs 16.66 billion, generating Rs 10.11 billion in government revenue. Conversely, petrol car imports surged by 50.99%, reaching 4,140 units, indicating a shift in market demand back toward internal combustion engine vehicles.

NEA Bharatpur Blacklists 277 Customers Over Unpaid Dues

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) distribution center in Bharatpur blacklisted 277 customers for failing to pay electricity tariffs. These delinquent customers owe a combined total of Rs 10.4 million. To recover outstanding dues, the center disconnected power lines for 1,826 users who had not paid for over six months. Currently, the center manages 74,876 customers and faces total outstanding arrears of Rs 490.4 million.

Birgunj Customs Office Collects Rs 177.66 Billion in 9 Months

The Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs 177.66 billion in revenue during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. This represents a 10% increase, amounting to Rs 16.20 billion more than the same period last year. Despite this growth, the collection reached only 89% of the nine-month target of Rs 199.34 billion set by the Department of Customs. Monthly collections peaked from mid-March/mid-April at Rs 22.82 billion.

Lumbini Province Spends Only 32.36% of Capital Budget

The Lumbini Province recorded a capital expenditure of only 32.36% during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Out of the Rs 23.47 billion allocated for capital projects, only Rs 7.955 billion was spent by April 13. Total budget spending stood at 34.31%, representing Rs 13.349 billion of the Rs 38.91 billion total. The Ministry of Health emerged as the highest spender of capital funds, while other ministries like Home Affairs lagged significantly at 8.63%.

Karnali Transport Offices Collect Rs 258 Million in Revenue

Transport offices in Karnali Province collected a total of Rs 258.1 million in revenue during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26. The Surkhet office alone contributed Rs 222.7 million, while the Chaurjahari and Jumla offices collected Rs 24.5 million and Rs 10.8 million, respectively. Vehicle tax remained the largest revenue source, totaling Rs 209.6 million. Additionally, route permit fees brought in Rs 7.9 million, and vehicle registration fees accounted for Rs 40.2 million.

Govt. Amends Financial Rules to Improve Budget Execution

The government amended the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Rules, 2021, to enhance capital budget expenditure. The new Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, delegate authority for capital fund transfers to the responsible accounting officers of respective agencies. Under the amended Rule 131, the Ministry of Finance can now empower these officers to manage transfers directly, though they remain personally accountable for the outcomes. This policy change aims to address the persistent issue of low development budget spending by streamlining administrative processes and expanding managerial responsibility within various government bodies.

Nepal-India Border Sealed for 72 Hours for West Bengal Elections

The eastern border at Kakadvitta was sealed for 72 hours starting Monday evening due to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections in India. Movement of people and vehicles through the Panitanki crossing has been completely suspended until the conclusion of voting on April 23. While general traffic is halted, the Darjeeling district administration will allow passage for patients seeking treatment and individuals with urgent needs upon presenting identification. Tourists from Nepal and Bangladesh returning home will also receive assistance upon providing valid documentation.

COVID Holding Centers Worth Nearly Rs 2 Billion Remain Unused Across Border Points

Holding centers built during the COVID-19 pandemic across eight border points in Nepal remain largely unused, leaving infrastructure worth nearly Rs 2 billion idle and deteriorating. The government had invested around Rs 2 billion to construct temporary isolation hospitals in Gaddachauki, Gauriphanta, Jamunaha, Belahiya, Krishnanagar, Kakadvitta, Birgunj, and Biratnagar to manage cross-border infections. Despite being designed as 1,000-bed facilities with supporting medical infrastructure, these centers have not been operational for years. In Jhapa alone, structures worth around Rs 250 million, along with 1,000 oxygen cylinders, remain unused. Similar situations are seen in other locations, where buildings are falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and utilization. Officials say the facilities continue to be guarded but remain idle due to delayed decisions on operational models and weak coordination between government bodies, raising concerns over wasted public investment.

Koshi Finance Committee to Probe Underperforming Pride Projects

The Finance Committee of the Koshi Province Assembly is preparing an investigation into two major “Provincial Pride” projects that failed to yield expected results. The Koshi Refreshment Center in Sunsari, which has cost Rs 336 million for its first phase, and the Gauradaha Pond project in Jhapa are under scrutiny. The budget for the Gauradaha project has escalated from Rs 38.5 million to Rs 350 million since the fiscal year 2008/09. Committee members expressed concerns over budget misuse and irregularities in work conducted through consumer committees, scheduling field inspections for April 25 and 26.

Karnali Province Recommends 2 Roads for National Priority Status

The Karnali Province government decided on Tuesday to recommend two major road projects for national priority status. The first project connects Dailekh to the center of Mahabai Rural Municipality in Kalikot, while the second involves the Wadaban-Sanakhola Road in Jajarkot. These roads have been designated as provincial priority projects to be forwarded to the National Planning Commission for integration into national planning. Additionally, the cabinet meeting approved the Karnali Province Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations, 2026, to streamline regional transportation governance.

Rahughat Hydropower Project Achieves 95% Physical Progress

The 40 megawatts Rahughat Hydropower Project, promoted by Raghuganga Hydropower, a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has reached 95% physical completion. Construction of the 6,270-meter main tunnel and dam is finished, with equipment installation in the final stages. The project, funded by a USD 670 million concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of India and joint investments from the government and NEA, aims for test production by June. The civil contract was valued at Rs 6 billion.

Consumer Protection Department Intensifies Market Monitoring in Kathmandu

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection increased its market monitoring activities to safeguard consumer rights. On Monday, the department conducted large-scale inspections of commercial firms in Kathmandu Metropolitan City Wards 1 and 30, specifically targeting Durbar Marg and Kamalpokhari. Following the inspections, corrective directives were issued to various businesses under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and Consumer Protection Rules, 2020. These monitoring efforts were carried out in coordination with consumer rights activists and relevant stakeholder representatives.

Shree Airlines Receives Approval for Regular International Flights

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted Shree Airlines permission to operate regular international flights as of Friday, April 17. Previously limited to non-scheduled charters, the airline has now requested official designation from the Nepal government to fly to India and Bangladesh. Shree Airlines, which operates a fleet of 17 aircraft, including seven Canadian Dash-800s, becomes the second private carrier in Nepal to receive such an Air Operator Certificate after Buddha Air. The company plans to introduce three narrow-body aircraft within a year and conducted a successful demo flight to Kolkata on April 6.

Aatmanirbhar Microfinance Declares 14.25% Bonus Shares

The Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha, based in Ghorahi, Dang, announced a 14.25% bonus share distribution from its 15% total dividend. During the 7th Annual General Meeting, the institution also approved a 0.75% cash dividend for tax purposes. For the fiscal year 2024/25, the institution reported a total loan investment of Rs 1.553 billion and savings collection of Rs 989.7 million. Its paid-up capital has grown to Rs 78.3 million.

Mount Everest Power to Launch IPO Worth Rs 258 Million

The Mount Everest Power Development is set to issue its Initial Public Offering (IPO) starting April 30. The company received approval to issue 2,580,000 shares valued at Rs 258 million, representing 30% of its issued capital. The first phase includes 860,000 shares for local residents of Solukhumbu and 172,000 shares for Nepali citizens employed abroad. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 units at Rs 100 per share. NIMB Ace Capital is managing the sale, and the company has been rated ‘CARE-NP BB+’.

Gold Price Surges by Rs 1,600 to Reach Rs 301,300 Per Tola

The price of gold has increased in the market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has risen by Rs 1,600 per tola (11.66 grams) today. The Federation states that the price of fine gold has been set at Rs 301,300 per tola today. Previously, gold was traded at Rs 299,700 per tola yesterday. Similarly, a slight decline has been observed in the price of silver today. The Federation reported that silver, which was traded at Rs 5,190 per tola yesterday, has decreased by Rs 30 to be set at Rs 5,160 today.