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 Falls 8.30 Points as Turnover Exceeds Rs 4.41 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index declined by 8.30 points on Friday, closing at 2,653.40 points. The Sensitive Index, which tracks the performance of blue-chip companies, also fell by 2.65 points to 459.81. A total of 8.58 million shares of 345 listed companies were traded, generating a turnover of more than Rs 4.41 billion. Agricultural Development Bank’s Agriculture Bond, KBL Debenture, NRN Infrastructure, Best Finance, and Central Finance recorded the highest trading volumes. Sanigadh Hydro, Snow River Limited, Kalanga Hydro, Nepal Finance, and Khanikhola Hydro were the top gainers, while Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower, Dhaulagiri Laghubitta, Crest Micro Life Insurance, Samudayik Laghubitta, and Universal Power posted the steepest losses.

National Assembly Tables Finance, Public Debt Bills

The National Assembly on Friday tabled six bills received from the House of Representatives, including key economic legislation related to finance, public borrowing, procurement, and anti-money laundering. National Assembly Secretary Tul Bahadur Kandel presented the Finance Bill, 2083, the Bill to Raise National Debt, 2083, the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083, and the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083. The upper house also tabled the Cooperative (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, and a bill to amend several Nepal Acts related to the Institute of Health Sciences for further legislative consideration.

Government Claims Early Economic Gains Within 100 Days

The government has said its economic revival measures are showing early positive results within 100 days, citing improved revenue collection, rising private sector confidence, and increased investment interest. Officials said investor and donor confidence has strengthened following reforms, including the repeal of outdated laws and improvements in tax administration. Several unnecessary offices have also been abolished to enhance efficiency. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle described a “mission mode” approach focused on digital monitoring, results-based governance, and structural reforms to boost production, investment, and employment. The government has set a target of expanding Nepal’s economy to USD 100 billion within 5–7 years.

Government to Penalize Fuel Stations for Artificial Fuel Shortages

The government has decided to take strict action against petroleum dealers who shut down fuel stations without valid reasons and create artificial shortages of fuel. Nepal Oil Corporation has amended its Petroleum Products Seller Bylaws, 2075, allowing fines and suspension of supply for such violations. Under the new rules, offenders can be fined between Rs. 300,000 and Rs. 1,000,000, along with fuel supply suspensions ranging from 5 to 15 days depending on repeated violations. The decision follows disruptions after dealers reportedly refused fuel lifting amid expected price changes, prompting directives from Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav to curb such practices.

Government to Issue Certificates to Donors Contributing Over Rs 10,000 to Reconstruction Fund

The government will provide appreciation certificates to individuals and organizations that contributed more than Rs 10,000 to the Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Fund established for post-protest reconstruction. The Ministry of Finance said the certificates, signed by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, have been prepared to recognize contributions made toward rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the Gen Z protests on Bhadra 23 and 24. The ministry said delivery of certificates has been difficult due to incomplete contact details of some donors. It has therefore requested eligible contributors to contact the Inventory Section at Singha Durbar to collect their certificates.

Melamchi Water Supply to Kathmandu Valley Temporarily Suspended After Flooding

Water supply to the Kathmandu Valley from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project has been temporarily suspended after flooding made the source water too muddy for treatment. According to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) spokesperson Bir Bahadur Chand, water flowing from the Melamchi River to the Sundarijal-based treatment plant was halted after heavy rainfall significantly increased turbidity at the source, complicating the treatment process. Chand said water distribution will resume according to the regular schedule once the source water clears. However, continued rainfall could delay the restoration of Melamchi’s drinking water supply to the Kathmandu Valley.

KMC Invests in Education as Human Capital Strategy

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has increased investment in community school education, focusing on infrastructure development and human resource improvement to strengthen skilled manpower. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol said education is a long-term economic investment aimed at boosting human capital, productivity, and future labor market readiness. At a program honoring SEE 2082 BS achievers, KMC awarded cash prizes to top students, schools, and teachers for performance. Economically, the initiative reflects a performance-based incentive approach designed to improve learning outcomes and efficiency in public education spending. However, such reward programs have limited fiscal scale and short-term impact compared to larger structural investments in school facilities, teacher training, and curriculum modernization needed for sustained economic growth.

Visa Fee for Nepali Workers Going to South Korea Increased

The visa fee for Nepali workers heading to South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) has been increased by Rs 600, the EPS Korea Section under the Department of Foreign Employment said in a notice. The fee, previously Rs 10,700, has been raised to Rs 11,300. The change has been implemented based on a July 1, 2026, letter from the Korean Embassy in Nepal. Applicants who have already received the Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance (CCVI) must pay the revised fee when submitting documents in person at the EPS office. The EPS section also stated that duplicate payments will not be refunded.

UML Urges Government to Tackle Economic Crisis and Seek Consensus on Constitutional Amendments

The CPN (UML) has called on the government to prioritize resolving the country’s ongoing economic crisis and strengthening the rule of law. In a press statement titled “100 Days of Government: Review of Promises and Reality,” General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said the administration must take proactive measures to address economic challenges facing the country. Pokharel also stressed that any proposed constitutional amendments should be pursued only through broad political consensus, noting that the constitution reflects the sacrifices and sovereign mandate of the people. He added that it should not be used for short-term political advantage. The UML further urged the Rastriya Swatantra Party to ensure its governance aligns with commitments made during the House of Representatives elections.

Energy Minister Inspects Bheri-Babai Diversion Project, Pushes for Faster Progress

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has inspected the Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, emphasizing the need for timely and result-oriented completion of the national pride project. During his visit to the dam site in Chiple, Bheriganga Municipality, the minister reviewed physical infrastructure and held discussions with officials and stakeholders on project progress and challenges. Project Chief Haridatta Poudel said the project aims to irrigate 51,000 hectares of land in Banke and Bardiya and generate 46 MW of electricity once completed. The project is also expected to ease electricity shortages and low-voltage issues in Karnali Province. Authorities reported that 2,000 of the required 5,000 electricity meters have already been installed, while the remaining will be delivered within a week. The minister also stated that budget has been allocated to address low-voltage problems in Surkhet.

Health Insurance Board Urges Against Unnecessary Medical Tests and Treatment

The Health Insurance Board has urged insured clients and health service providers to avoid unnecessary medical tests and treatments amid delays in claim payments. In a press release issued Friday, the Board said outstanding dues have been cleared only up to mid-December 2025, while payments beyond that period will be released after the government provides additional funds. It stated that Rs 23.44 billion has been paid to service-providing health institutions in the current fiscal year. The Board called on hospitals to continue uninterrupted services for insured patients and requested both doctors and clients to avoid excessive or unnecessary medical examinations.

Construction Begins on Main Tunnel of 106 MW Jagdulla Hydropower Project

Construction of the main tunnel for the 106 MW Jagdulla Semi-Reservoir Hydropower Project officially began in Dolpa, marking a key milestone in one of Karnali Province’s largest energy investments. Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha inaugurated the work, describing the project as vital to the region’s economic growth and urging cooperation among all levels of government and local communities to ensure timely completion. Developed under the People’s Hydropower Program, the project is financed through approximately Rs 16.66 billion in domestic loans. Once operational, it is expected to generate significant royalty revenue for the federal, provincial, and local governments while boosting regional infrastructure and employment.

Bird Flu Detected in 100 Locations, Health Ministry Urges Public Vigilance

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged heightened vigilance after bird flu (avian influenza) was confirmed in 100 locations across Nepal, including parts of the Kathmandu Valley. According to Joint Spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, the infection has been reported in 11 districts, prompting authorities to advise the public to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and follow strict safety measures. The Department of Livestock Services said the outbreak has spread to multiple areas, raising concerns over further transmission. Officials emphasized that the virus is primarily transmitted through infected poultry and does not easily spread between humans, while warning the public to report dead birds and ensure proper cooking of poultry products.

Livestock Department Enforces Biosecurity Measures as 700,000 Poultry Culled Amid Bird Flu Spread

The Department of Livestock Services has intensified biosecurity measures and urged poultry farmers to promptly report unusual bird deaths as bird flu continues to spread across Nepal. Officials warned that the avian influenza virus carries a risk of mutation, calling for strict vigilance among all stakeholders in the poultry sector. Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal advised farmers to avoid reusing egg crates, disinfect transport vehicles before farm entry, isolate domestic poultry from wild birds, and ensure mandatory veterinary certification for poultry transport. The outbreak has been confirmed in 11 districts, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi. Authorities have already culled around 700,000 poultry to control the spread of the infection.

Cinnamon Exports to India Hit Six-Year High

Cinnamon exports from Palpa to India have reached a six-year high in the current fiscal year, according to the Division Forest Office, Palpa. The office said 347,969 kg of cinnamon was exported this year, the highest in recent years compared to 191,415 kg in FY 2020/21. Export figures over the past years show steady fluctuations, including 176,697 kg in FY 2023/24 and 183,590 kg in FY 2022/23. Exports of bay leaves (tejpat) also rose sharply, reaching 1,288,482 kg this fiscal year, up from 881,731 kg last year. Officials said India remains the primary market for both products, which are key sources of income for local farmers.

APF Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth Over Rs 3.6 Million in Morang

The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has seized contraband goods worth approximately Rs 3.6 million from different locations in Morang district, focusing on illegal cross-border trade. Acting on a tip-off, a patrol team from APF No. 3 Battalion Headquarters Kankalini, Morang, confiscated multivitamin medicines worth about Rs 3.08 million that were found ready for transport in the Bargachhi area of Biratnagar Metropolitan City-1. In separate operations in the Daraiya and Materuwa border areas, APF personnel intercepted illegally imported goods from India, including vegetable ghee and construction materials loaded on electric rickshaws. The total value of these seizures, including two vehicles, is estimated at Rs 525,000, and all items have been handed over to customs authorities for further legal action.

80,253 Foreign Tourists Enter Mustang in June

A total of 80,253 foreign tourists entered Mustang in June 2026, according to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Jomsom. Of them, 78,670 were from SAARC countries and 1,583 from other nations, with over 95% being Indian visitors. ACAP reported a sharp rise compared to 20,868 arrivals in June 2025. From January to June 2026, arrivals reached 222,992, up from 98,481 in the same period last year. Officials said most Indian tourists visit the Muktinath Temple, with many traveling in private vehicles and returning the same day. Only about 3% of visitors travel to Upper Mustang.

Concrete Bridge at Tamutar Links Two Local Units in Bhojpur

A concrete bridge has been constructed at Tamutar, connecting Shadananda Municipality and Salpasilichho Rural Municipality in Bhojpur, improving local mobility. Built at a cost of Rs 63.3 million by the Infrastructure Development Office under the Koshi Province government, the 50-meter bridge has been operational since April 2024. Previously, residents faced major disruptions during the monsoon season due to flooding in the local stream, with patients, pregnant women, and students among those most affected. Officials said the bridge now connects Shadananda-1 and Salpasilichho-3, significantly easing transportation and benefiting communities on both sides of the river.

Gold Jumps Rs 7,200 Per Tola, Silver Also Gains

The price of gold and silver rose sharply in the domestic market on Friday, the last trading day of the week. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold increased by Rs 7,200 per tola (11.66 grams) to reach Rs 290,700 per tola, up from Rs 283,500 on Thursday. Silver also recorded a gain, rising by Rs 165 per tola to Rs 4,615 from Rs 4,450 a day earlier. In the international market, gold was trading at around USD 4,179 per ounce, while silver was priced at approximately USD 62 per ounce, according to international media reports.