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 Collects Rs 40 Billion Excess Liquidity from Banks

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) conducted a deposit collection auction worth Rs 40 billion on Wednesday to manage excess liquidity in the financial system. Total bank deposits have now exceeded Rs 7.8 trillion. Class ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ financial institutions participated in the online bidding process, with interest rates determined through the competition. The principal and interest for this liquidity mop-up are scheduled for payment on June 17. This move follows the NRB’s open market operation procedures to stabilize market interest rates amidst a surge in loanable funds.

Government Launches 15-Day Salary Pilot Project for Employees

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle inaugurated a pilot project on Wednesday to pay government employees every 15 days. Utilizing the Computerized Government Accounting System (CGAS), employees at the Ministry of Finance received their first bi-monthly salary today. Minister Wagle stated that this move aims to stimulate the economy by increasing consumption and market demand. The project currently covers federal civil servants and will eventually expand to all government employees. The Financial Comptroller General Office confirmed technical readiness to process salary requests twice a month, facilitating a transition toward a more dynamic digital economy.

NEPSE Drops 25.81 Points, Turnover Hits Rs 4.986 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell 25.81 points on Wednesday, closing at 2,744.45, down 0.93 percent from the previous session. The Sensitive Index also dropped 3.06 points to 464.51, a decline of 0.65 percent. A total of 11.23 million shares were traded through 104,005 transactions involving 351 companies, generating a turnover of Rs 4.986 billion. Only 30 companies posted gains, while 235 declined and four remained unchanged. Of the 13 traded sectors, only three advanced, while 10 closed lower. Major losses were recorded in manufacturing and processing (2.24 percent), hotels and tourism (1.64 percent), and hydropower (1.45 percent).

Industrialists Demand Reforms in MRP Policies

Business leaders led by the Kathmandu Chamber of Commerce and Industry have submitted a 20-point list of demands to the government regarding Maximum Retail Price (MRP) policies. They have urged the government to implement MRP in phases, starting with essential goods while making it voluntary for luxury and high-tech items. The group requested that labeling be allowed after import rather than at customs points and called for a suspension of current punitive market inspections. They warned that impractical MRP rules could increase smuggling and suggested that exchange rates and transport costs must be considered in future price regulations.

Transport Department Hikes Inter-Province Fares by 5%

The Department of Transport Management has implemented a 5 percent increase in public transport fares effective from Wednesday. The adjustment applies to inter-province passenger vehicles as well as freight transport operating on both hilly and Terai routes. This hike follows recent increases in fuel prices and comes just weeks after the last fare adjustment on April 8. Authorities stated that the automatic fare adjustment mechanism was triggered by the rising cost of petroleum products, ensuring that transportation services remain viable for operators nationwide.

Commercial Bank Profits Reach Rs 49.21 Billion

The combined net profit of 20 commercial banks reached Rs 49.21 billion by the end of the third quarter of the current fiscal year. This marks a 19.30 percent increase compared to the previous year. Nabil Bank leads the sector with a profit of Rs 6.76 billion, while Kumari Bank recorded the highest growth rate of 1361.76 percent. While 13 banks saw profit increases, seven institutions, including Prabhu Bank and NIC Asia, reported a decline in their net earnings during this period.

Spare Part Imports via Birgunj Rise to Rs 26.13 Billion

The Birgunj customs point recorded vehicle and spare part imports worth Rs 26.13 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This represents a 36.19 percent increase compared to the Rs 19.19 billion recorded in the same period last year. Revenue from these imports rose to Rs 18.22 billion. Notably, electric vehicle imports surged by 102 percent, totaling Rs 2.98 billion for 493 units, highlighting a significant shift toward sustainable transport.

Adverse Weather Disrupts Domestic and International Flights

Unfavorable weather conditions across the country significantly disrupted flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday. General Manager Tek Nath Sitaula confirmed that domestic flights to Simara, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Bhairahawa faced major delays throughout the afternoon. Additionally, several international aircraft were forced into holding patterns as visibility and wind conditions deteriorated. Airport authorities stated that operations would normalize once weather patterns improve. The disruption followed a series of weather alerts issued for multiple provinces, impacting both mountain and terrestrial flight routes nationwide.

Flight Passengers on Pokhara-Jomsom Route Drop by 40%

Air passenger traffic on the Pokhara-Jomsom route has declined significantly, with only 7,586 travelers recorded between July 17, 2025, and April 13, 2026. Data from the Jomsom Civil Aviation Office reveals a 40.31 percent decrease in flights compared to the previous fiscal year. Factors including increased fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict and the improved Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section have shifted travelers toward land transport. Currently, Tara Air and Summit Air operate approximately 10 daily flights, down from previous peaks of 25 daily rotations.

Groundbreaking Held for Dhanakhola–Lamahi Road Under $747 Million MCC Nepal Compact

The U.S. Embassy Nepal, along with the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal and the Government of Nepal, has marked the groundbreaking of the Dhanakhola–Lamahi Road Rehabilitation Project, a key component of the MCC Nepal Compact. The broader compact represents a USD 747 million joint investment, including USD 550 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USD 197 million from the Government of Nepal. Speaking at the event, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Scott Urbom said the project reflects the strength of US-Nepal ties and a shared commitment to delivering tangible outcomes. “This milestone highlights our partnership and the benefits it brings to the people of Nepal and American businesses,” he said. The MCC Compact aims to upgrade road infrastructure, reduce transport costs, improve electricity transmission, and support long term economic growth and cross border energy trade.

China Grants Rs 11 Billion for Ring Road Extension Phase 2nd

The government of China has signed an agreement to provide a grant of Rs 11 billion for the second phase of the Ring Road Expansion Project. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sunil Lamsal and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming formalized the deal on Wednesday. The project focuses on expanding the section from Kalanki to Basundhara, following the successful completion of the Koteshwor-Kalanki stretch. Minister Lamsal emphasized that north-south connectivity remains a top priority, while Ambassador Maoming noted that improved investment environments would attract more Chinese investors to Nepal’s growing infrastructure sector.

Land Acquisition Completed for Rs 2 Billion GIS Substation

The Cabinet has approved the use of 2034.93 square meters of land owned by Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) for the construction of a GIS substation in Balkumari, Lalitpur. The project, funded by a Rs 2 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), had been stalled for over four years due to land acquisition issues. As part of the agreement, the Nepal Electricity Authority will provide free electricity to KUKL’s sewage treatment plant in exchange for the land use. The substation will connect underground lines from Thimi to Teku, securing power supply reliability for the next five years.

Farmers Urged to Store Wheat Amid Adverse Weather Alerts

The Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent advisory for farmers to harvest and store wheat immediately due to deteriorating weather conditions. With forecasts of fog and rain across various regions, the risk of damage to crops left in fields is high. Officials estimate this year’s total wheat production at 2.2 million metric tons. Farmers are also advised to use organic leaves like Neem or Titepati for pest protection during storage. Additionally, the Agriculture Information Center warned of increased lumpy skin disease risks in livestock as temperatures rise, urging owners to prioritize mandatory vaccinations for cattle.

Wheat Productivity Increases by 2.1% in Kanchanpur

Wheat production in Kanchanpur has grown by 2.1 percent this year, reaching a total of 106,114 metric tons. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center, the productivity rate rose to 3.4 per hectare across 31,210 hectares of land. Improved access to high-quality seeds, timely chemical fertilizer distribution, and expanded irrigation through the Mahakali Irrigation Project contributed to the yield increase. Currently, 11,600 hectares in the district benefit from reliable irrigation, supporting agricultural growth despite the static cultivation area.

Joint Inspection Finds Lack of Fertilizer Records in Jhapa

A joint monitoring team led by the Agriculture Knowledge Center Jhapa discovered that most private firms are failing to maintain official records of chemical fertilizer sales. The inspection conducted on Tuesday covered 11 centers across Bhadrapur, Birtamod, Haldibari, and Bahradashi. While cooperatives maintained systematic reports, private dealers were directed to issue mandatory bills and follow transparency standards. The government continues to provide subsidized Urea, DAP, and Potash through Krishi Samagri Company and Salt Trading Corporation. Authorities warned of legal action against sellers who violate pricing and reporting protocols.

New Suspension Bridge Completed Over Uttar Ganga River

A new suspension bridge has been constructed over the Uttar Ganga River, connecting Chentung and Khaldekhulde with a federal investment of Rs 27.7 million. The 288.4 meters long structure provides essential connectivity for residents of Dogadi, Chhalhalna, Kudum, and Gadikhoula in Dhorpatan Municipality-6. Previously, locals faced dangerous river crossings or lengthy three hours detours to reach the town center. This remote infrastructure project is expected to ease the movement of livestock and improve access to basic services for over a dozen isolated villages in the region.

Everest Color Limited Opens IPO for Migrant Workers

Everest Color Limited launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) today, Wednesday, specifically for Nepalese citizens employed abroad. The company received approval to issue 790,000 shares, representing 26.33 percent of its Rs 300 million capital. In this first phase, 79,000 shares worth Rs 7.9 million are available for those with valid labor permits. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 7,000 shares until May 5 via the Mero Share platform.

Yambaling Hydropower Launches IPO for General Public

Yambaling Hydropower opened its IPO for the general public on Wednesday, following earlier allocations for local residents and foreign workers. The company is offering 1,743,000 shares worth Rs 174.3 million in this second phase. This forms part of the total 2.8 million shares approved for public issuance, representing 40 percent of the Rs 700 million capital. Applications for a minimum of 10 shares are open until May 5 through C-ASBA-approved banks and the Mero Share online system.

Gold, Silver Prices Drop in Domestic Market Today

Gold and silver prices in the market declined on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold fell by Rs 3,000 per tola (11.66 grams) compared to Tuesday. Gold, which was traded at Rs 297,500 per tola on Tuesday, dropped to Rs 294,500 per tola on Wednesday. Similarly, silver prices also eased. Silver, which was sold at Rs 4,945 per tola on Tuesday, decreased by Rs 30 to Rs 4,915 per tola on Wednesday.