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 Rebounds 44.59 Points, Ends Seven-Day Losing Streak

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rebounded after seven consecutive sessions of decline, gaining 44.59 points, or 1.70%, to close at 2,652.93 points. The index reversed earlier losses and posted broad-based gains across sectors. The Sensitive Index rose 5.77 points, while Float and Sensitive Float indices also advanced. Total turnover reached Rs 3.85 billion, with over 9.53 million shares traded across 362 companies in 56,769 transactions. Market breadth remained strongly positive, with 252 companies advancing and 17 declining. All 13 sectoral indices closed in the green, led by trading, hydropower, and manufacturing. Snow Rivers gained 14.99%, while Corporate Development Bank fell 5.21%. Laxmi Sunrise Bank led turnover.

Fuel Supply Disrupted as Private Pumps Shut Down in Kathmandu Valley

Most private petrol pumps across the Kathmandu Valley have closed following the Nepal Oil Corporation’s reduction in petroleum prices. However, pumps operated by the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force remain open, leading to heavy crowds at these stations. Private operators have posted notices reading “No Petrol” and “No Diesel,” saying they are unable to sell fuel purchased at earlier higher rates without incurring losses after the price cut. As a result, consumers are struggling to refuel their vehicles, with long queues forming at security-operated pumps. The shortage has also disrupted public transportation services across the city.

NOC Slashes Fuel and LPG Prices Across Nepal

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and LPG following a board decision on Tuesday. Petrol has been cut by Rs 20 per litre, while diesel and kerosene are down by Rs 30 per litre. Domestic aviation fuel fell by Rs 40 per litre, and international aviation fuel in Kathmandu by USD 265 per kilolitre. LPG prices were reduced by Rs 100 per 14.2 kg cylinder. After the revision, petrol costs Rs 197 per litre and diesel and kerosene Rs 195 per litre, while LPG is priced at Rs 2,060 per cylinder.

Nepal to Import 210,000 Tons of Fertilizer to Secure Farm Supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment will import around 210,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer by mid-August to ensure adequate supply for paddy cultivation. The plan includes 30,000 tons of urea from India under a government-to-government agreement and 180,000 tons (60,000 tons DAP and 120,000 tons urea) through global tenders from countries including Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Despite global supply chain disruptions, the ministry aims to distribute a record 600,000 tons of subsidized fertilizer in the upcoming fiscal year. An online tracking system will be introduced to improve distribution efficiency and reduce black marketing.

Ministry Asks 23 Local Bodies to Clarify Delay in Budget Submission

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has sought clarification from 23 local levels for failing to present their annual policies, programs, and budgets for fiscal year 2026/27 within the legal deadline. The Ministry has instructed them to submit a detailed report within three days, explaining the status of budget preparation and reasons for the delay, and to indicate if any support is needed. Citing relevant laws, it reminded that budgets must be presented by June 24 and approved by the July 16. The Ministry said the move aims to ensure timely budgeting and legal compliance.

Tourism Minister Says Low Passenger Demand Halting Flights at Hill Airports

Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has said that a shortage of passengers is the main reason many airports in Nepal’s hilly regions lack regular flight operations. Responding to lawmakers in the National Assembly, he stated that out of 55 airports across the country, 34 are currently operational while 21 remain closed. He added that the government is ready to deploy technical staff and equipment to non-operational airports, including Suntharali Airport in Kalikot, once consistent passenger demand is ensured. Minister Paudel further noted that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has adequate manpower and resources, which are being prioritized for active airports to maintain regular operations.

Nepal Oil Corporation Says Fuel Supply Has Returned to Normal

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) says recent disruptions in petroleum sales and distribution have been resolved following long queues at fuel stations in Kathmandu Valley and other major cities. Spokesperson Manoj Thakur said some stations temporarily ran low on fuel due to high demand, but additional supplies were dispatched from the Thankot depot and have reached most outlets. He stated there is now no fuel shortage. Under directives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, the NOC also monitored several fuel stations. According to Thakur, Kathmandu Valley stations collected 1.3 million liters each of diesel and petrol from Thankot on Wednesday.

CAAN Cuts Domestic Airfares After Aviation Fuel Price Reduction

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has reduced domestic airfares by lowering the fuel surcharge following a Rs 40-per-liter cut in aviation turbine fuel prices by the Nepal Oil Corporation. The revised fares took effect on Wednesday. According to CAAN, the fuel surcharge has been reduced by up to Rs 2,335 depending on the route. The largest reductions apply to longer routes, including Nepalgunj–Bhadrapur, while fares on Kathmandu–Dhangadhi, Kathmandu–Surkhet, and mountain flights have also declined. CAAN reminded airlines that ticket prices must remain within the maximum fare limits set by the authority.

Lumbini Provincial Assembly Meeting Postponed Amid Budget Dispute

The 11th meeting of the eighth session of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly was postponed on Wednesday, extending an ongoing legislative deadlock. The session, scheduled for 1 pm, was called off at the last moment and rescheduled for July 5. The postponement followed discussions between Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar and party leaders, while Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya requested the delay through the Secretariat. The dispute centers on dissatisfaction over budget allocations, with ruling coalition lawmakers calling them discriminatory and demanding ministerial resignations. Internal rifts have repeatedly disrupted proceedings, including a previous 16-minute session. The Assembly remains stalled, blocking debate on the Rs 37.38 billion FY 2026/27 budget.

NEA to Test Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV Line, Urges Public Safety

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will begin testing the newly completed Markichowk–Bharatpur section of the Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV Transmission Line Project from July 7. A 220 kV current will be charged for testing after completion of the key section linking the New Marsyangdi Substation in Tanahun District with the New Bharatpur Substation in Chitwan District. The project, funded by the European Investment Bank, the Government of Nepal, and NEA, aims to strengthen the national grid. NEA has urged caution in areas across Gorkha District, Tanahun, and Chitwan, warning residents to avoid contact with high-voltage infrastructure for safety reasons.

Traffic Fines Generate Over Rs 2.14 Million in a Day Across Kathmandu

Traffic police collected more than Rs 2.14 million in fines after booking 2,157 vehicles for traffic violations across the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours, boosting state revenue through enforcement. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, violations included 82 cases of drunk driving, 101 unauthorized ride-sharing cases, 105 traffic signal violations, and 117 speeding offences. Police also penalized motorists for lane discipline violations, unnecessary honking, driving on one-way roads, and illegally tinted windows, while the remaining 1,538 cases involved other traffic offences.

Transport Entrepreneurs Urge Fare Adjustment After Fuel Price Cut

The Federation of Nepali Transport Entrepreneurs has urged the government to revise public transport fares in line with the automatic pricing mechanism after fuel price reductions announced by the Nepal Oil Corporation. The NOC recently cut petrol prices by Rs 20 per liter and diesel and kerosene by Rs 30 per liter, effective Wednesday morning. Federation President Punya Prasad Sitaula said fares should be adjusted transparently and scientifically, noting that fare revisions should reflect both rising and falling fuel costs. He also emphasized that fare determination must consider broader operating costs, including maintenance, wages, insurance, spare parts, and financial expenses, not just fuel prices alone.

Nepal Insurance Authority Orders Surveyors to Update KYC Within 10 Days

The Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) has directed all licensed insurance surveyors to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details and maintain their licensing portfolios within 10 days. In a public notice issued Wednesday, the Authority said the requirement is mandatory under the Insurance Act, 2022 and the Insurance Surveyor Guidelines, 2026. Surveyors must log into the IRMIS system and upload updated personal information and supporting documents. Individual surveyors must also apply to maintain their licenses, while institutional surveyors are required to seek renewal of classless licenses under the Insurance Regulations, 2024.

Nepal, Saudi Arabia Move to Strengthen Parliamentary and Economic Ties

Saudi Arabian Ambassador Fahd bin Mohammed bin Mnikhr paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal at Singha Durbar to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, Speaker Aryal announced the formation of the Nepal–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group to enhance cooperation with the Saudi Shura Council. He also mentioned preparations to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in March 2027. Aryal thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting around 385,000 Nepali workers and called for increased investment in infrastructure, IT, energy, and tourism. The ambassador reaffirmed commitment to expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.

Five Arrested in Foreign Job Fraud Case Involving Millions of Rupees

Five individuals have been arrested on charges of defrauding job seekers by promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad. According to the Central Police Newsroom, the arrested are Wangdi Lama of Sindhupalchok, Lalit Bahadur Tamang of Ramechhap, Santoshi Lama of Dhading, Ramdas Maharjan of Chandragiri Municipality-8, and Sarib Giri of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-15. They are accused of collecting large sums of money from victims by falsely assuring them jobs in countries including Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Spain, the UAE, and Canada. The alleged fraud amounts range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 4.5 million per victim. Police from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested them from different locations. The case has been forwarded for further legal action.

Bhojpur Farmers Receive Relief After Flood Damages Irrigation Canals

Flood-affected farmers in Bhojpur Municipality-5, Bokhim, have received irrigation pipes to ease water shortages after flash floods damaged local canals. The ward office distributed pipes worth around Rs 350,000 free of charge following heavy rainfall on April 25, 2026, which destroyed about 60–70 canal intake points. The disruption left farmers struggling during the rice transplantation season. Ward Chairman Phabindra Pradhan said beneficiaries were identified through a field inspection to ensure targeted support. Locals said the temporary solution has helped restore irrigation access, though they stressed the need for permanent infrastructure to withstand future climate-related disasters.

Bailey Bridge Over Ada Khola Improves Connectivity in Ruby Valley

A newly completed Bailey bridge over the Ada Khola has improved transportation and daily travel between Wards 2 and 3 of Ruby Valley Rural Municipality in Dhading. Constructed through the rural municipality’s own contracting process, the bridge replaces the long-standing need for residents to cross the river on foot. Local officials said the bridge benefits residents of Wards 1 and 2 and strengthens connectivity between the former Tipling and Sertung Village Development Committees. Situated along the DhadingBesi–Sangkosh–Tipling road, the bridge is also expected to promote tourism by improving access for domestic and international visitors.

Madhyabindu Turns Waste into Wealth with Organic Fertilizer Production

Madhyabindu Municipality has begun generating income by processing household organic waste into bio-fertilizer through its Sanitation Promotion and Bio-Fertilizer Production Center. The initiative, launched under the Gandaki Province Chief Minister Innovation Program, has improved waste management while creating a new revenue stream and supporting local farmers. According to municipal officials, 14,816 households are now part of the sanitation campaign. Over three years, the project cost about Rs 21.38 million while generating Rs 30.5 million from fertilizer sales. Officials say the program now helps the municipality cover operational costs, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and strengthen environmental sustainability.

Fertilizer Distribution Begins Across Banke Under Quota System Amid Shortage Complaints

The distribution of chemical fertilizers has started across all eight local levels of Banke District under a quota system. According to Agriculture Inputs Company Limited, Nepalgunj, allocations have been set for each municipality and rural municipality, including Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Kohalpur Municipality, Baijanath Rural Municipality, Khajura Rural Municipality, Janaki Rural Municipality, Duduwa Rural Municipality, Raptisonari Rural Municipality, and Narainapur Rural Municipality. Despite distribution efforts, farmers report severe shortages during peak paddy transplantation season, with long queues at distribution centers. Officials note that demand far exceeds supply, with only limited consignments reaching wards, intensifying pressure on local farmers.

KIST Teaching Hospital Offers Discounts for SSF and EPF Beneficiaries

KIST Teaching Hospital has introduced a special discount scheme for beneficiaries of the Social Security Fund (SSF) and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). Under the SSF program, the fund will cover 80% of eligible outpatient and inpatient medical expenses, with patients paying the remaining 20%. EPF contributors admitted to the hospital can receive up to Rs 100,000 annually for general illnesses and up to Rs 1 million for critical illnesses over their service period. The benefits apply across multiple specialties. Eligible patients can access the scheme by presenting their official SSF or EPF identity cards at the hospital help desk.

Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Domestic Market

Gold and silver prices fell in Nepal on Wednesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold declined by Rs 600 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 277,300, down from Rs 277,900 on Tuesday. Silver also dropped by Rs 15 per tola to Rs 4,270 per tola, compared with Rs 4,285 a day earlier. The latest rates reflect a modest decline in the domestic precious metals market.