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 Slides 24.45 Points Despite Higher Turnover

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell 24.45 points to 2,935.94 on Wednesday, even as turnover rose to Rs 15.09 billion from Tuesday’s Rs 14.83 billion. Of the traded companies, 45 gained, 213 declined, and 7 remained stable. Top turnover companies included Ngadi Group, Api Power, Shivam Cement, Super Madi Hydropower, and SY Panel. The trading group led gains, up 3.45%, boosted by Bishal Bazar’s 3.77% rise, while the manufacturing and processing group gained 0.48%. Most other sectors declined, including Banking (-1.40%), Development Bank (-2.32%), and Finance (-2.09%). Reliance Spinning Mills and four hydropower companies rose 10%, while Abhiyan Laghubitta dropped the most, by 7.74%.

NRB Collects Rs 40 Arab in Liquidity Management

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) conducted a deposit collection auction on Wednesday to manage excess liquidity in the banking system. The NRB called for Rs 40 billion for a 21-day period through an online bidding process. Banks and financial institutions were required to submit bids by 3:00 PM, with the interest rate to be determined via the auction. The principal and interest for these deposits are scheduled for payment on April 15. Institutions could bid for a minimum of Rs 100 million and up to the total called amount in multiples of Rs 50 million.

AI to Screen Startup Loan Applications

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies announced the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to conduct the preliminary screening of startup loan applications. This system aims to ensure impartial evaluation and is expected to provide 80 percent accuracy. For the current fiscal year 2025/26, the government has allocated Rs 860 million to provide collateral-free loans at a 3 percent interest rate. Out of 10,244 applications received across 77 districts, 8,203 were submitted electronically. Evaluation involves onsite verification by Enterprise Development Facilitators (EDF), who submit photos and one-minute videos of the projects to the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute for final scoring.

Hydropower Companies in NEPSE Reach Milestone of 100

The number of hydropower companies listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) reached 100 on Wednesday. This milestone was achieved following the listing of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Super Khudi Hydropower Company. Hydropower now represents the largest sector of listed companies on the exchange. This rapid growth is attributed to increasing investment in the hydroelectric sector, heightened private sector participation, and the regular commencement of new power projects across Nepal. The sector continues to dominate the market in terms of the volume of listed entities available for public trading.

LP Gas Imports Increase to 372,281 Metric Tons

The country imported 372,281 metric tons of LP gas by March 14, marking an increase of over 51,000 metric tons from mid-January. Despite this surge, equivalent to filling 3,650,000 cylinders, consumers continue to face market shortages. According to the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association, the scarcity is due to household hoarding driven by fears of conflict-related supply disruptions in Western Asia. To manage the crisis, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) began selling half-filled cylinders on March 12. Although import prices from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) rose by Rs 216 per cylinder, the NOC maintained the retail price at Rs 1,910.

Petroleum Imports Reach Rs 123 billion in 7 Months

The country imported petroleum products worth Rs 123.67 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, fuel imports increased compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Revenue collection from these imports totaled Rs 52.15 billion. Specifically, 702,300 kiloliters of diesel worth Rs 63.65 billion were brought into the country. Additionally, the office recorded imports of 290,382 kiloliters of petrol valued at Rs 25.30 billion and 202.8 million kilograms of LP gas worth Rs 20.85 billion.

Govt. Unveils Implementation Plan for 16th Periodic Plan

The National Planning Commission officially released the “16th Plan Implementation Action Plan (FY 2024/25 to 2028/29)” on Wednesday. Approved by the cabinet on February 24, the plan outlines specific responsibilities, timelines, and results for economic and social transformation across 13 sectors. The goal is to expand the national economy to approximately Rs 10.3 trillion by fiscal year 2028/29, requiring an estimated total investment of Rs 11.2 trillion. The action plan focuses on increasing production capacity, job creation, and infrastructure development while establishing a result-based monitoring system and addressing reconstruction needs from previous physical damages.

Nepal’s Star-Rated Hotels Hit 349

The country’s luxury and star-rated hospitality capacity has reached 25,881 beds, signaling a massive scale-up in tourism infrastructure. According to the Department of Tourism, the country now operates 349 star-rated establishments, providing a total of 16,350 rooms. Five-star hotels dominate the high-end market with 5,340 beds across 28 properties, supported by 40 four-star and 37 three-star hotels. The expansion includes specialized luxury segments such as 3 five-star deluxe and 3 luxury boutique heritage hotels. Additionally, the resort sector has grown to 127 ordinary resorts offering 4,748 beds, alongside 9 deluxe and 3 luxury resorts, significantly broadening the options for international and domestic travelers.

Over 52% of Budget Released for Rolpa’s Local Units

The Treasury and Accounts Controller Office in Rolpa released 52.27 percent of the total budget to ten local units by mid-March. Out of a total allocated Rs 3.727 billion from federal and provincial sources, Rs 1.985 has been disbursed for expenditure. Federal fund releases stood at 54.30 percent, totaling Rs 1.878 billion. Conversely, provincial budget disbursement remains lower at 39.90 percent, with Rs 107.1 million released out of Rs 268.5 million. Triveni Rural Municipality received the highest federal amount at Rs 226.4 million.

Budget Shortage Halts Strategic Road Projects in Myagdi

Inadequate funding has disrupted the construction of strategic multi-year road projects in the Myagdi district. Although Rs 620 million was allocated for 32 infrastructure projects this fiscal year, the Infrastructure Development Office reported that funds have been exhausted, leaving contractors unpaid. Projects like the Beni-Pakhapani road were completed five months ahead of schedule but lack Rs 25 million for final payments. Office head Dr. Mahendra Baniya stated that while Rs 520 million was set for 17 ongoing projects, additional funding of Rs 84.5 million has been requested from the ministry to settle outstanding labor wages and supplier costs.

Construction of Mahendranagar Multipurpose Covered Hall Stalled

Work on the multipurpose covered hall in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, has remained stagnant for eight months due to administrative delays. Although 70 percent of the construction is finished, progress stopped over parapet construction issues and a pending Variation Order (VO) from the Sudurpashchim Province government. Sunil Kunwar of Baijanath-Contur JV stated that the Rs 130.3 million project was slated for completion by mid-July. Meanwhile, a Rs 100 million sports academy in Tikapur finished a year ago remains unhanded over because the Ministry of Social Development has yet to finalize the necessary operational procedures.

Police Seize Vehicles with Illegal Riverbed Materials in Tanahun

Police intercepted and impounded three vehicles involved in the illegal extraction and transport of river materials in Tanahun on Wednesday. A team from the Saranghat Area Police Office caught the vehicles loading gravel in the Bagarkhola area of Bandipur Rural Municipality-6. The seized equipment includes a JCB and two tippers. Deputy Superintendent of Police Shrawan Kumar BK confirmed the vehicles were sent to the Bandipur Rural Municipality office for legal action, noting that monitoring against illegal excavation will be intensified.

9th International Women’s Trade Expo Set for April

The Ninth International Women’s Trade Expo will be held at Heritage Garden, Lalitpur, from April 3 to April 5. Organized by the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), the three-day event will feature 140 stalls from 300 women entrepreneurs across seven provinces. Products including handicrafts from Dhaka, organic food, and jewelry will be displayed alongside contributions from India, China, South Korea, and Bhutan. FWEAN President Darshana Shrestha expects approximately 50,000 visitors and a total transaction volume of nearly Rs 20 million during the exhibition aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship.

Hailstorms Destroy Cucumber Crops in Remote Gorkha

Persistent rainfall and hailstorms have completely destroyed the commercial cucumber farm of Gunja Bahadur Chepang in Palungtar Municipality-7, Gorkha. Chepang had invested approximately Rs 1 million on 15,261.98 square meters of leased land and had already sold produce worth Rs 400,000. However, hailstones destroyed the remaining crop valued at over Rs 300,000 before it could be harvested. The Palungtar Municipality Agriculture Branch estimated total damages to structures and crops at between Rs 1.2 million and Rs 1.5 million. While the Agriculture Knowledge Center noted provisions for relief up to Rs 50,000, many farmers remain ‘ineligible’ for full ‘compensation’ as they lacked agricultural insurance despite government subsidies.

Japan Funds Smart Classroom Upgrades at Tribhuvan University

Japan has agreed to support the digitalization of Japanese language education at Tribhuvan University’s Campus of International Languages (Bishwo Bhasa). A grant contract was signed between Ambassador Maeda and Love Green Nepal President Amira Dalli in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal. Funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects, the initiative carries a grant of USD 64,885, approximately Rs 9.3 million. The project will replace outdated equipment with electronic smart boards and upgraded facilities. Launched to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations, the initiative aims to enhance learning environments and strengthen long-standing cultural and academic ties between the two countries.

Shesh Ghale and Jamuna Gurung Rank Among Australia’s Wealthiest

Nepali entrepreneurs Shesh Ghale and Jamuna Gurung secured positions 150 and 151 on The Australian’s 2026 list of wealthiest individuals. The couple has maintained a presence on this list for 18 consecutive years since their debut in 2009. As co-founders of the Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT), they operate campuses in Melbourne and Sydney. Their combined wealth has reached approximately USD 1.21 billion. Beyond education, they hold significant commercial real estate, including a 3,900 square meter plot in Melbourne’s CBD, where they plan to develop a luxury hotel and serviced apartments following a shift in market strategy.

Land Acquisition Begins for 126 Megawatt Lower Seti Project

The land acquisition process has commenced in Devghat Rural Municipality for the 126-megawatt Lower Seti Hydropower Project. Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari announced that the subcommittee has submitted its report after surveying structures at the sites designated for the powerhouse, offices, and staff housing. The project involves constructing a 32-meter high dam in the Seti River near Saranghat and a 6.8-kilometer tunnel to generate 520 million units of electricity annually. Estimated at Rs 25 billion, the project will connect to the national grid via a two-kilometer transmission line. Consultations for engineering designs were previously initiated through a USD 3.5 million grant from the ADB.

Budhigandaki Hydropower to Issue Rs 1 Billion Infrastructure Tender

The Budhigandaki Hydropower Company is preparing to issue tenders worth Rs 1 billion within the current fiscal year 2025/26 for preliminary construction works. Chief Executive Officer Arun Rajauria confirmed the funds will cover a concrete bridge connecting two districts, estimated at Rs 300 million to Rs 350 million, alongside access roads and permanent housing valued at Rs 650 million to Rs 700 million. The 1,200-megawatt project has a total estimated cost of Rs 406 billion, including interest. The government recently approved a financial modality with a 70:30 debt-to-equity ratio, where the government holds 80 percent and the Nepal Electricity Authority holds 20 percent ownership.

Gold Prices Surge by Rs 14,600 Today

Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp increase in the domestic market on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold rose by Rs 14,600 per tola (11.66 grams) to reach Rs 288,500. On Tuesday, it was traded at Rs 273,900. Similarly, silver prices increased by Rs 415 per tola, reaching Rs 4,920. In the international market, gold was traded at USD 4,600 per ounce, while silver reached USD 74 per ounce during the same period.