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:

Global Oil Prices Drop Below $100 Amid Middle East Peace Talks

International crude oil prices fell below USD 100 per barrel today following reports of a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. The announcement of the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to Pakistan boosted investor confidence, despite previous anxieties over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global fuel demand. While global stock markets recover, Nepal’s fuel prices remain at Rs 219 for Petrol, Rs 237 for Diesel and Kerosene, and Rs 2,010 per Gas cylinder. Aviation Fuel is priced at Rs 262 per liter.

Petroleum Imports Via Birgunj Generate Rs 60.38 Billion Revenue

In the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the fiscal year 2025/26, Birgunj Customs collected Rs 60.38 billion in revenue from petroleum imports through the Birgunj border. This marks an increase from the Rs 57.53 billion collected during the same period last year. Official data shows that Rs 148.16 billion worth of fuel was imported, including 808,745 kiloliters of Diesel, 359,846 kiloliters of Petrol, and over 224,875,266 kilograms of LPG gas.

2-Day Public Holiday Reduces Diesel Consumption but Increases Petrol Use

The government’s decision to implement a two days weekend to curb fuel costs has resulted in a 13,000 kiloliter drop in Diesel consumption over a 15-day period ending April 20. However, Petrol consumption rose by 1,000 kiloliters during the same timeframe, likely due to increased private vehicle travel during holidays. Rising fuel prices and the doubling of bitumen costs from Rs 90 to Rs 180 have also led to a significant slowdown in national construction projects, contributing to the overall decline in Diesel demand used for heavy machinery and transport.

Customs Revenue Increases at Jamunah Border Following Strict Enforcement

Revenue collection at the Jamunah border crossing in Nepalgunj has risen significantly since April 17 after authorities began enforcing customs duties on goods valued over Rs 100. Daily revenue at the passenger branch has increased from a maximum of Rs 275,000 to Rs 360,000. The move aims to discourage cross-border shopping and boost local markets in Nepalgunj and Kohalpur. While local businesses report increased activity, consumers on both sides of the border have requested a revision of the Rs 100 limit, describing it as unpractical for daily needs.

Court Bans Local Vehicle Tax Collection on Major Highways in Parsa

The Janakpur High Court’s temporary bench in Birgunj issued an order today prohibiting Birgunj Metropolitan City and private contractors from collecting vehicle management taxes on national highways, subsidiary highways, and the Postal Highway. The ruling clarifies that while the metropolitan city can collect taxes on roads strictly under its internal jurisdiction as per the August 15, 2025, agreement, it has no authority over transit vehicles on major national arteries. This decision follows previous interim orders from March 12 and April 17, effectively stopping the use of barriers to collect fees from freight vehicles on these routes.

Karnali Energy Ministry Implements 1,242 Infrastructure Projects

The Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development in Karnali Province has successfully moved 1,242 projects into the implementation phase for the current fiscal year. This represents 90.26% of the ministry’s total 1,376 planned schemes. Surkhet leads with 168 active projects, followed by Dailekh and Kalikot. To date, the ministry has spent Rs 942.4 million out of its Rs 3.83 billion budget, achieving an overall expenditure rate of 24.60%.

NEA Calls for Local Government Solar Power Partnerships

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has invited local governments to apply for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for solar projects by the end of this month. Based on a November 5, 2025, decision, the NEA will purchase electricity at a fixed rate of Rs 4.99 per unit from solar plants where local levels hold at least a 51% share. These projects, capped at 1 megawatt capacity, will be integrated into the NEA’s 33/11 KV grid. Interested entities must submit company registration, land lease agreements, and technical schedules to complete the contracting process by the end of the current fiscal year.

Over 30,000 Nepalis Workers Return Home Due to West Asia Conflict

More than 30,000 Nepali citizens have returned to Nepal from West Asia following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that 21,000 of these returnees arrived from Qatar, while others returned from across the region due to safety concerns or pre-planned leave. An online portal launched by the Department of Consular Services has registered 87,819 Nepalis currently in the conflict zone. Efforts are underway to release Amrit Jha, a Nepali national detained near the Strait of Hormuz, while eight of the 10 Nepalis in Iran have opted to stay, reporting they currently feel secure.

Manaslu Region Records 14,899 Tourists Despite Regional Conflict

The Manaslu Conservation Area Project reported today that 14,899 tourists visited the region during 2025. This figure includes 14,033 foreigners, 434 from SAARC nations, and 432 Nepalis. Despite challenges such as unseasonal floods, heavy snowfall, and the US-Iran conflict, arrivals increased by 3,515 compared to the previous year. The region’s attraction is attributed to its authentic Tibetan cultural heritage and less crowded trails compared to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal, providing a significant economic boost to local hotel owners and residents.

Implementation of 86 Trekking Trail Projects Begins in Baglung

Baglung district has moved forward with the construction of 86 trekking trail projects designed to link homestays and religious sites. The Integrated Service Office confirmed today that these projects, ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1 million in cost, utilize local labor and traditional stone-paving styles. While 21 trails have already been completed, eight additional projects remain stalled due to local disputes or delays in forming consumer committees. These trails are expected to promote rural tourism, reduce the need for expensive motor roads, and assist in landslide control by utilizing sustainable, community-led construction methods.

Department Fines Two Firms Rs 505,000 for Noncompliance

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection fined two firms today for violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2018. Sharp International Airport Services in Kathmandu was fined Rs 300,000, while Yummy Cafe and Bar received a fine of Rs 205,000. Additionally, the department directed five other entities, including Hotel Soniga and Kantipur Cafe, to present their business documents for review. Another six firms were issued corrective warnings as part of the department’s regular field monitoring aimed at protecting consumer rights at major transit hubs.

NTB Launches First Wildlife Safari Mart in Meghauli

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) officially inaugurated the First Wild Nepal Safari Mart 2026 in Meghauli today to promote the country’s biodiversity to the international market. The three-day event, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, features representatives from India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The mart aims to brand Nepal as a premier wildlife destination, highlighting its conservation of Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and red pandas. Through business-to-business networking and cultural exchanges, the initiative seeks to establish sustainable tourism partnerships and showcase Chitwan and Meghauli as world-class centers for responsible wildlife diplomacy and environmental protection.

Birgunj Calls for Landless Citizens Affected by Road Expansion to Report

Birgunj Metropolitan City issued a public notice today requesting landless residents completely displaced by the expansion of the Gandak Chowk to Miteri Bridge road section to contact the administration within 30 days. Following a decision by the District Disaster Management Committee on Thursday, the city is collecting data to identify genuine landless victims who do not own property anywhere else in the country. This list will be used to recommend federal relief and resettlement. Meanwhile, the District Administration Office has warned residents and business owners to avoid using damaged or hazardous structures for trade to prevent potential accidents during the ongoing demolition and clearing process.