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 Drops as 213 Stocks Fall, Turnover Jumps to Rs 6.531 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell 26.16 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,770.26, down 0.93 percent. The Sensitive Index declined 2.14 points to 467.57 (0.45 percent), while the float and sensitive float indices dropped 0.81 percent and 0.52 percent. A total of 14,018,920 shares were traded in 151,354 transactions across 349 companies, with turnover reaching Rs 6.531 billion, up from Rs 4.748 billion on Monday. Only 42 companies gained, while 213 declined and 14 remained unchanged. Of 13 sectors, only the other groups rose (0.73 percent); all others fell, led by hotels and tourism (2.56 percent) and manufacturing (2.46 percent).

Country’s Economy Projected to Reach Rs 6.6 Trillion

The National Statistics Office has projected that Nepal’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will reach Rs 6.6 trillion in the fiscal year 2025/26. This marks an expansion of approximately Rs 400 billion from the previous year’s revised estimate of Rs 6.199 billion. Meanwhile, the preliminary estimate for per capita Gross National Income (GNI) stands at USD 1,535. Although the GNI remained stagnant in USD terms compared to last year due to the high exchange rate of the US dollar, it reflects a domestic increase. In local currency, the average annual per capita income is estimated at approximately Rs 228,000 based on current exchange rates.

Supreme Court Orders 24-Hour Response on Businessman Golchha’s Detention

The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to provide a written explanation for the detention of businessman Shekhar Golchha within 24 hours. A single bench of Justice Nripa Dhwoj Niroula issued the order on Tuesday in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Golchha’s wife, Seema Golchha. The petition alleges that the businessman is being held illegally and demands his immediate release. The court has directed the Office of the Attorney General to present the detainee along with the investigative files. This legal intervention follows a high-profile investigation where the court is now seeking the specific legal grounds and justifications for the continued custody of the entrepreneur.

Agriculture Leads Industrial Contribution to GDP at 24.03%

The National Statistics Office has released the industrial classification of Gross Value Added (GVA) for the fiscal year 2025/26, showing that the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector remains the largest contributor to the economy at 24.03 percent. However, the sector recorded a modest growth rate of 1.58 percent. The wholesale and retail trade sector contributed 14.09 percent with a growth rate of 4.51 percent. Other significant contributors include education at 9.22 percent, real estate at 8.07 percent, and transport and storage at 7.23 percent. The industrial sector contributed 5.72 percent to the national GVA.

Karnali Province Collects Rs 480 Million in Internal Revenue

Karnali Province has collected Rs 480.3 million in internal revenue during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This amount represents half of the annual target of Rs 967.4 million. Revenue increased by approximately Rs 70 million compared to the same period last year. Officials attribute the rise to tightened tax collection, the resumption of driving license services in Birendranagar, and new royalties from forest products. The province has also implemented a unique fine for fallow land, charging Rs 5 annually for up to 5087.33 square meters and up to Rs 1,500 for over 10174.66 square meters of uncultivated arable land.

Tea Exports Reach Rs 4.59 Billion

The country exported 15.6 million kilograms of tea valued at Rs 4.59 billion during the fiscal year 2024/25, marking a significant increase from the Rs 3.625 billion recorded previously. Today, Tuesday, the country celebrates the 30th National Tea Day in Phikkal, Ilam, highlighting a sector that employs 60,000 people. While 85 percent of exports target India, imports also rose to Rs 92.9 million. Despite high international demand for green and specialty teas, the total tea cultivation area is currently shrinking.

Staff Shortages Close 9 of 11 Customs Offices in Parsa and Bara

Out of the 11 sub-customs offices under the Birgunj Customs Office, only two are currently operational. While Thori in Parsa and Matiarwa in Bara remain open, nine other offices, including Simraungadh and Janakitola, are closed due to a severe shortage of staff and infrastructure. The closures come at a time when the government has intensified enforcement of customs duties on goods valued over Rs 100 brought from India. Chief Customs Administrator Krishna Prasad Mainali stated that maintaining small scattered offices is challenging due to the need for banking systems and quarantine facilities. Consequently, the responsibility for monitoring these border points has been largely handed over to the Armed Police Force.

Government Recovers 622 Vehicles in Clean Governance Drive

Under the direction of Prime Minister Balen Shah, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has recovered 622 government vehicles used in violation of existing laws. A circular issued on April 23 mandated that officials below the rank of Joint Secretary (First Class) return four-wheeled vehicles intended only for high-level use. The drive aims to eliminate administrative irregularities and reduce the financial burden on the state caused by fuel and maintenance costs. While individual use is now restricted to authorized ranks, the government has clarified that all staff may still utilize government vehicles for collective official duties or during emergencies to ensure continued service delivery.

Electric Vehicle Imports Through Birgunj Surge by 102%

The import of Electric Vehicles (EVs) through the Birgunj border point reached Rs 2.98 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This represents a 102 percent increase compared to the Rs 1.48 billion imported during the same period last year. The data includes 493 electric jeeps, cars, and vans valued at Rs 1.46 billion. Additionally, 7,398 electric motorcycles worth Rs 960 million and 4,606 electric three-wheelers valued at Rs 530 million were brought into the country through this gateway.

Tourism Entrepreneurs Demand Dedicated Bus Park in Kathmandu

Tourism associations, including the Tourist Bus Association of Nepal and Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, have raised concerns over the lack of a dedicated tourist bus park in the federal capital. Despite tourism being a backbone of the economy, daily operations for approximately 100 buses serving 3,000 to 4,000 passengers remain relegated to the streets of Sorhakhutte. Since the fiscal year 2018/19, when operations were moved from Kantipath, tourists have faced safety and convenience issues due to the absence of a proper terminal. While the Kathmandu Metropolitan City recently centralized public transport at the New Bus Park in Gongabu, entrepreneurs argue that a separate “pick and drop” facility is essential to maintain the quality of the tourism experience and international competitiveness.

Nepalgunj Airport Introduces Free Trolley Bus Service

Nepalgunj Airport has launched a free trolley bus service today, Tuesday, to assist passengers traveling between the airport and Ranjha Chowk. Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the 25-seat vehicle is fully disability-friendly and aims to ease the 2-kilometer commute. The service specifically targets senior citizens, children, and those carrying heavy luggage, providing an alternative to high rickshaw fares and the local heat. CAAN officials stated that the introduction of the trolley bus is part of a broader effort to modernize airport facilities and make travel more passenger-friendly in the region.

GEFONT Issues Nine-Point Manifesto for International Workers’ Day

The General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) released a nine-point manifesto on Tuesday ahead of International Workers’ Day on May 1. The manifesto prioritizes dignified wages, universal social security, and paid internships. GEFONT Chairman Binod Shrestha emphasized the need to address modern challenges such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and wage stagnation. The federation plans to distribute 1,500,000 leaflets door-to-door to educate workers on their rights and will organize a massive rally in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The campaign seeks to engage the younger generation and strengthen the trade union movement through technology and unity.

Construction Entrepreneurs Demand Emergency Relief from PM Shah

Construction entrepreneurs have requested the government to declare an emergency in the construction industry due to the skyrocketing prices of fuel and raw materials. A delegation from the Kathmandu Valley Construction Entrepreneurs Association submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) through the Chief District Officer on Tuesday. The association highlighted that excessive price hikes have brought many projects to a standstill, making it impossible to continue work under current contracts. They are urging the government to implement immediate price adjustment mechanisms and create a business-friendly environment to prevent the total collapse of the sector, which they claim is currently paralyzed by unmanageable overhead costs.

7 Construction and Supply Companies Blacklisted

The Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) has blacklisted seven construction companies and suppliers as of Tuesday. The decision was made in accordance with Section 63(1) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 following formal requests from various public entities. Under this directive, the listed firms are strictly prohibited from participating in any public procurement processes or bidding for government contracts for the duration of their blacklisting period. The PPMO issued a public notice to ensure all state agencies comply with the restriction, aimed at maintaining accountability and quality in public works.

Taxpayer Service Centers Launched in 6 Local Units in Chitwan

Taxpayer Service Centers have commenced operations across five municipalities and one rural municipality in Chitwan, excluding the Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Following a government decision on November 3, 2025, to decentralize services from Khairahani, centers were established in Ratnanagar, Kalika, and Rapti around January this year, followed by Madi on April 2 and Ichchhakamana today. These local centers are authorized to issue personal and business Permanent Account Numbers (PAN), amend taxpayer details, and recommend Value Added Tax (VAT) registration. The Internal Revenue Office (IRO) Bharatpur, which oversees 74,000 taxpayers, has collected Rs 18.055 billion of its Rs 29.817 billion annual target.

Local Unit in Baglung Progresses on 124 Infrastructure Projects

Nisikhola Rural Municipality in western Baglung has reached the final stages of implementing 124 infrastructure projects during the current fiscal year. Out of the 171 planned projects for 2025/26, 124 have been formally contracted, with 47 already completed. Development work accelerated significantly starting in mid-March following initial delays caused by the House of Representatives elections. The local administration is currently prioritizing five major road upgrade contracts and has allocated Rs 5 million each for the addition of a floor to the administrative building and the conservation of Rig Lake. Notably, the municipality reduced its arrears by Rs 70 million last year and has cleared an additional Rs 11 million in the current cycle.

Overcrowding Strains Hetauda Child Correction Home

The Juvenile Correction Home in Hetauda, Makwanpur, is facing a severe crisis as it currently houses 89 juveniles, nearly triple its intended capacity of 30. Established in 2018 to serve Makwanpur and Chitwan, the facility is now strained by the transfer of inmates from Madhesh Province and Bhaktapur following riots in September 2025. Currently, the home holds individuals aged 14 to 23, including 29 who are over the age of 18 and should legally be housed separately. The extreme overcrowding has led to respiratory issues and physical ailments among inmates, many of whom are forced to sleep on the floor and wait in long lines for basic sanitation facilities.

Government Bans Small-Scale Packaging of Bakery Shortening

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has banned the production and sale of bakery shortening in packets weighing less than 10 kilograms. Following a decision made on Monday, all industries have been given a 15-day ultimatum to recall existing small-scale packs from the market. The department warned that failure to comply with this directive will result in strict legal action under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act 2024. Manufacturers are required to report their recall progress to the department and its regional offices within the stipulated timeframe to avoid penalties.

Gold, Silver Prices Drop in the Market Today

The price of gold has decreased in the market on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of gold has dropped by Rs 3,000 per tola (11.66 grams) compared to yesterday. According to the new rates set by the Federation for today, the price of bullion gold has been fixed at Rs 297,500 per tola. On Monday, gold traded at a historic high of Rs 300,500 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also decreased today. According to the Federation, silver is trading at Rs 4,945 per tola, down by Rs 100. Yesterday, the price of silver was Rs 5,045 per tola.