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 Slips 10.25 Points as Turnover Hits Rs 11.66 Billion

On Sunday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell 10.25 points, or 0.37 percent, closing at 2,698.44. The Sensitive Index dropped 0.85 points to 459.63, down 0.18 percent. A total of 26.24 million shares were traded across 111,978 transactions of 330 companies, generating Rs 11.659 billion in turnover. Among 13 traded sectors, only Investment and Others saw gains, while 11 groups, including Commercial and Development Banks, Finance, Hydropower, and Manufacturing, declined. Overall, 85 companies’ share prices rose, 168 fell, and seven remained unchanged.

NRB Withdraws Rs 50 Billion Today

On Sunday, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) collected Rs 50 billion from the financial system through a deposit collection instrument. The move aims to manage excessive liquidity as total deposits in the banking sector crossed Rs 76 billion. Class A, B, and C financial institutions participated in the bidding process. The principal and interest for this instrument are scheduled for payment on March 22, 2027. Minimum bids were set at Rs 100 million. This intervention follows the Open Market Operations Bylaws, allowing terms up to six months to stabilize market interest rates.

Ministry of Urban Development Spends Only 6.15 Percent

The Ministry of Urban Development spent only Rs 5.61 billion of its Rs 91.35 billion budget during the first half of fiscal year 2025/26. This represents just 6.15% of the annual goal. Capital expenditure was particularly low at 5.57%, with only Rs 4.93 billion utilized from an Rs 88.49 billion allocation. Ministry reports indicate that the Ministry of Finance froze funds for 2,190 projects totaling Rs 61.76 billion, severely impacting progress on border outposts and urban building projects.

Fuel Consumption Rises Ahead of March Elections

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) reported a surge in petroleum consumption as the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5 approach. According to the NOC, it has been estimated there will be a 10% to 15% increase in fuel demand during the peak campaigning week. Daily petrol consumption is expected to rise from 2.2 million liters to 2.7 million liters. Despite international crude prices dropping 16.7% annually to USD 68.87 per barrel, domestic cooking gas remains at Rs 1,910 per cylinder. NOC maintains a 14-day diesel and 12-day petrol reserve.

Rs 13.5 Billion Invested in Lumbini Province Industries

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, Rs 13.578 billion was invested in industries and businesses across 12 districts of Lumbini Province. Santosh Kumar Subedi, the Information Officer for the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transport, stated that Rs 7.607 billion went into 1,771 small industries. Rupandehi led with Rs 8.08 billion in total investment, while Banke followed with Rs 1.32 billion. The investment added 2,084 new entrepreneurs, including 785 women and 1,299 men, boosting the regional economy.

NRB Loan Review Finds Weaknesses in 10 Banks

A review by Bangladeshi firm Howladar Yunus and Company of 10 large commercial banks revealed significant weaknesses in loan classification. Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reported that the average non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of these banks, including Nabil Bank and Global IME, stands at 7.70%. Two banks exceeded a 10% NPL ratio. The review, a condition set by the IMF, flagged “evergreening” practices where additional loans were issued to projects lacking physical progress. NRB Spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel stated that banks must now set aside additional provisions and provide explanations for these regulatory inconsistencies.

Medical Association Warns of Lead in Market Toothpaste

The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) called for urgent regulation after high lead levels were found in daily-use products. General Secretary Dr Sanjiv Tiwari of NMA cited a study by SAFED where samples collected from shops in several cities across Nepal showed that 31% of tested cosmetic and hygiene items exceeded international safety standards. Specifically, 45% of toothpaste samples, including those marketed for children, contained harmful lead concentrations. The NMA warned that lead exposure impairs intellectual development and damages the nervous system, demanding the government enforce strict quality testing for all oral hygiene items sold in the country.

Hetauda Revenue Office Collects Rs 3.27 Billion in Six Months

The Inland Revenue Office in Hetauda collected Rs 800.8 million last month, bringing the total for the first six months of fiscal year 2025/26 to Rs 3.279 billion. This is an increase of Rs 88.6 million compared to the same period last year. Office Chief Yukta Prasad Subedi reported collections of Rs 1.88 billion in excise duty and Rs 593.2 million in income tax. The office recovered Rs 100 million in arrears by visiting and messaging taxpayers among its 81,812 individual filers.

New Industries Open in Hetauda Industrial District

Two new industries recently commenced operations in the Hetauda Industrial District. Precious Oyste Refinery Private Limited began testing production in January 2026, processing old electronics into new metals. Information Officer Ramesh Raj Nepal noted this is likely the first plant of its kind in Nepal. Additionally, Radhakrishna Synthetic Private Limited started manufacturing plastic bags on November 16, 2025. While 13 other industries are under construction, Roto Printing and Nobel Packaging closed due to capital shortages. Currently, 147 industries lease land across the 1642189.52 square meter area.

Feasibility Study for Mid-Hill Highway Data Centers Begins

The Integrated Data Management Center under the Department of Information Technology has initiated the construction process for advanced data centers along the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway. Center Chief Manish Bhattarai announced that a public notice was issued to shortlist consultancy firms for a feasibility study during the current fiscal year 2025/26. The project aims to enhance digital connectivity and high-speed internet in hilly regions. According to budget point 127, the government will partner with the private sector, providing land, electricity, and security to domestic or foreign companies established along the highway.

Gorkha Provincial Hospital to Form 3-Year Strategy

The Gorkha Provincial Hospital management committee has decided to formulate a three-year strategic plan to guide future operations. A three-member committee led by Nursing Chief Prasanna Tamang was formed to submit a draft within one month. Chairman Krishna Dhakal stated that another five-member committee, headed by Dr Shambhu Adhikari, will review staff salaries and benefits. The hospital plans to expand specialist services for ear, nose, throat, and skin diseases. Additionally, 17 new laboratory tests and endoscopy services will be introduced to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Gorkha district of Gandaki Province.

Rolpa Agriculture Center Returns 47 Percent of Budget

Over the last seven years, the Agriculture Knowledge Center in Rolpa spent only Rs 326.7 million out of Rs 615.2 million allocated, returning 47% of its funds. Office Chief Mahendra Kumar Ojha noted that the budget for the current fiscal year has shrunk to Rs 2.69 billion. In fiscal year 2021/22, the center had its highest allocation of Rs 141.9 million but spent only 35.43%. Officials cite the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting local-level programs, and a lack of relevant applications from farmers for the disappointing expenditure rates.

CTEVT Announces Vacancies for 98 Personnel

The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) invited applications for 98 positions across the administration, engineering, accounting, and law sectors. The vacancies cover various levels, including Officer Level Second Class and Third Class, as well as Assistant positions. Candidates must apply through the electronic system at www.ctevt.org.np. Age limits are set at 40 for second-class officers and women and 35 for others. Interested Nepali citizens can submit applications by March 7, or until March 14 with a double late fee.

Super Khudi Hydropower Faces Delay and Financial Uncertainty

Super Khudi Hydropower is constructing the 26-megawatt Upper Khudi Hydropower Project in Lamjung. Although commercial operation was scheduled for January 21, only 83% of the work is complete. The project cost has reached Rs 206 million per megawatt. Interestingly, the company reported a paper profit of Rs 194 million for 2024/25 using IFRIC 12 accounting rules. Investors remain concerned, as the management has not set a new completion date, potentially risking the 8 scheduled 3% tariff hikes outlined in the power purchase agreement.

Atithi Resort and Spa Files for 1.6 Million Unit IPO

Atithi Resort and Spa submitted an application to the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) on February 3 to launch an IPO. The company plans to issue 1,625,000 units of ordinary shares at a par value of Rs 100 per share. Prabhu Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue and sales manager for the offering. The company currently operates a four-star luxury resort and spa in the Shantipatan area of Lakeside, Pokhara, featuring deluxe rooms, luxury suites, and specialized massage therapy services.

Super Khudi to Issue Rs 310 Million IPO for Debt Repayment

Super Khudi Hydropower is transitioning to a public entity by issuing 3.1 million units of IPO shares worth Rs 310 million. This represents 20% of the total issued capital. While the prospectus contains conflicting information, the funds are primarily intended to pay off suppliers and a bridge-gap loan. If used for debt, the company’s debt-to-equity ratio will improve from 63:37 to 56:44. Led by Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, the project faces a shortened operational license, as its 35-year term began back in the fiscal year 2018/19.

Super-Mai Hydropower to Issue 100 Percent Rights Shares

Super-Mai Hydropower will hold its annual general meeting on February 27 in Naxal, Kathmandu. The board proposed a 21.11% total dividend from last year’s profits, consisting of 20% bonus shares and 1.11% cash for tax purposes. Following the bonus issue, the company plans to issue 100% rights shares based on the updated capital. The company reported a net profit of over Rs 70.3 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Shareholders must be registered by February 24 to participate.

Gold Price Jumps Back to Rs 300,500 Per Tola

Gold prices rebounded in the domestic market on Sunday, rising by Rs 9,500 per tola (11.66 grams) after sharp declines earlier in the week. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is now priced at Rs 300,500 per tola. Gold had fallen to Rs 291,000 on Friday after trading at Rs 295,200 on Thursday. Silver prices also increased by Rs 300 to Rs 5,010 per tola. In the international market on Sunday, gold was traded at USD 4,467 per ounce and silver at USD 77 per ounce.