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:

Sale of blossomed mango trees underway in Saptari:

Although mango, the king of fruits, has not yet borne fruit, the buying and selling of mango blossoms has already increased in Saptari. In Saptari and other districts of the Tarai, traders have started visiting mango orchards to purchase the blossoms. In Saptari, which is well known for mango production, traders currently visit orchards, inspect the blossoms on the trees, and negotiate prices accordingly. Instead of buying just one or two trees, many traders purchase entire orchards containing numerous trees. Farmers said that the deals are usually made through verbal agreements, based on the amount of blossoms on the trees and the estimated potential production. Mohammad Hanif, a resident of Rajbiraj Municipality–9 in Saptari, said that he purchased the blossoms of 20–25 mango trees in a large mango orchard near his house for about Rs 90,000. According to him, the trees currently have abundant blossoms, and if pesticides are applied on time and proper care is taken, a good harvest is likely.

IGI Health Care Insurance for secure medical protection:

The healthcare sector in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is witnessing a pivotal shift toward private financial risk protection as the national health insurance program faces significant funding challenges in the fiscal year 2025/26. In this climate of economic uncertainty, IGI Prudential Insurance Limited has emerged as a leader in providing sustainable medical safety nets through its IGI Health Care Insurance products. As medical inflation continues to outpace general inflation in South Asia, the necessity of having a reliable, retail-focused health plan has transitioned from a luxury to a fundamental requirement for the Nepali middle class. By offering a combination of high sum insured limits, wide network access, and a streamlined cashless facility, IGI Prudential is redefining the standards of “peace of mind” for individuals, families, and corporate groups across the country.

India’s 250 million barrel buffer and supply diversification ensure fuel stability 

India currently maintains a combined energy buffer of over 250 million barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products, equivalent to approximately 4,000 crore liters, according to a government report. This stockpile provides seven to eight weeks of coverage across the full supply chain, countering claims that the country holds only 25 days of reserves. The reserves are distributed across underground strategic caverns in Mangalore, Padur, and Visakhapatnam, as well as above-ground tanks, pipelines, and offshore vessels. The report states that India’s energy procurement remains “anchored in national interest,” with sourcing diversified across 40 countries compared to 27 a decade ago. While the Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, only about 40 per cent of India’s crude imports pass through it, while 60 per cent arrive via unaffected alternative routes from Russia, West Africa, the Americas, and Central Asia.

MetLife Nepal new offices open in Chandrauta and Syangja:

The life insurance landscape in Nepal is witnessing a significant geographic and digital transformation as major international players like MetLife Nepal aggressively expand their footprint into the nation’s burgeoning secondary markets. In March 2026 (Falgun 2082 BS), MetLife Nepal officially inaugurated two new agency offices in Chandrauta, Lumbini Province, and Syangja, Gandaki Province. This expansion is a key component of the company’s strategic goal to decentralize professional financial consultation, moving away from a Kathmandu-centric model to one that prioritizes the local communities of western and central Nepal. By establishing a physical presence in these regions, MetLife is addressing the critical “last-mile” challenge of insurance distribution, ensuring that professional guidance on life, accident, and health insurance is accessible to every household.

Standard Chartered mortgage loans Nepal home guide for buyers: 

The pursuit of residential property ownership in Nepal is a significant economic milestone that requires meticulous financial planning and institutional support. In the year 2082 BS (2026 AD), the mortgage market has evolved to become a central pillar of the urban development framework, with Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited offering structured Mortgage Loans Nepal Home solutions. These mortgage facilities are designed to bridge the gap between a buyer’s aspirations and their current capital, providing the necessary leverage to acquire land, construct a residence, or purchase a ready built home. As the real estate market in major metropolitan areas like the Kathmandu Valley, Bharatpur, and Biratnagar continues to appreciate, understanding the mechanics of long term property financing is essential for any serious home seeker.

Garima Virtual Credit Card offer for women users:

The banking sector in Nepal is witnessing an unprecedented surge in digital adoption, driven by innovative fintech collaborations and targeted customer engagement strategies. At the forefront of this movement is Garima Bikas Bank Limited, which has recently unveiled a high-profile promotional campaign centered on its Garima Virtual Credit Card. Launched in early 2082 BS (2025 AD) to coincide with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, this initiative is specifically designed to incentivize female customers to transition from traditional cash-based transactions to secure, virtual credit solutions. By offering aspirational rewards such as a premium diamond jewelry set and substantial discount vouchers, Garima Bikas Bank is not only promoting its digital wallet platform, Garima Digi Batuwa, but also addressing the critical need for greater female participation in the formal digital economy.

Morang mustard farmers facing losses: 

Farmers in Morang who cultivate mustard were unable to recover even their investment costs this year. After unseasonal rain in mid-October 2025, farmers planted mustard late, resulting in a decline in production. Mustard is intensively cultivated in Ratuwamai, Sunbarshi, Rangeli Municipality and Kanepokhari, Dhanpalthan Rural Municipality of Morang. According to the Koshi Province Agriculture Directorate, farmers’ interest in mustard cultivation has increased in Morang over the last three years. Both the cultivation area and productivity have been rising. In fiscal year 2023/24, mustard was cultivated on 11,205 hectares of land in Morang. With a productivity of 1.20 tons per hectare, about 13,446 tons of mustard was produced. In fiscal year 2024/25, mustard farming covered 11,214 hectares, and productivity increased to 1.30 tons per hectare, resulting in a total production of 14,578 tons. In the previous fiscal year, the cultivation area increased by 10 hectares to 11,224 hectares. Productivity reached 1.31 tons per hectare, and total production rose to 14,704 tons.

ShareSansar celebrates 15 years of service in Nepal’s capital market:

The financial ecosystem of Nepal has reached a historic milestone as ShareSansar, the nation’s premier digital financial news and data platform, observed its 15th anniversary on March 7, 2026. Established in 2011, ShareSansar emerged during a period when the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) was largely characterized by physical floor trading and a significant lack of real-time data for the general public. Over the past 15 years, the platform has functioned as a primary catalyst for the democratization of financial information, transforming the way investors interact with the capital market. The ShareSansar 15 Years Celebration is not merely a corporate anniversary but a reflection of the transition of Nepal from a nascent investment environment to a modern, data-driven financial market where over six million Demat accounts signify a massive shift in public participation.

Mahalaxmi Bank Home Loan 6.99 offer for dream homes:

The landscape of residential infrastructure in Nepal is undergoing a significant transformation as financial institutions pivot toward highly competitive, low-interest lending models. In the year 2082 BS (2026 AD), Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank Limited has set a new benchmark in the development banking sector with the introduction of its Mahalaxmi Home Loan 6.99 offer. This strategic initiative provides aspiring homeowners with an entry-level interest rate of 6.99 percent per annum, representing one of the most affordable housing finance solutions in the current market. As the nation focuses on urban renewal and sustainable housing under the 2082 economic guidelines, this offer specifically targets the growing middle-class demographic looking to transition from rental living to permanent home ownership. The timing of this offer is particularly significant given the current macroeconomic environment of Nepal in 2082 BS. With the central bank maintaining a stable base rate environment, Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank has leveraged its robust liquidity position to offer a rate that sits significantly below the industry average for individual term loans. The 6.99 percent rate is designed as a “Fixed for Seven Years” option, providing borrowers with long-term financial predictability.

India’s LPG prices still lower than neighbors’ despite price hike:

Despite the Rs 60 increase in the Domestic 14.2 kg Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder, LPG prices in India remain lower than in several neighboring countries. On Saturday, 14.2 kg cylinder prices were increased by Rs 60 per cylinder, costing about IRs 913 in Delhi compared with around IRs 1,046 in Pakistan, IRs 1,241 in Sri Lanka and IRs 1,207 in Nepal. The latest hike translates to an increase of about 80 paise per family per day, or roughly 20 paise per person per day for cooking expenses. The revision comes amid fluctuations in global LPG prices and is part of what officials describe as a calibrated adjustment aimed at balancing consumer protection with the financial sustainability of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

US-Israel tensions with Iran threaten global energy markets with soaring fuel prices:

Rising tensions between the United States and Israel with Iran appear set to push consumers and businesses worldwide into the grip of soaring fuel prices. Even if this conflict, which has been ongoing for a week, ends soon, analysis suggests it could take weeks or months for fuel prices to return to normal due to damaged infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and shipping risks. This poses a serious threat to the global economy and has become a political headache for US President Donald Trump, who is on the verge of midterm elections. According to analysts at JP Morgan, the market has moved beyond mere geopolitical risk concerns and entered a phase of actual operational disruption. Following Iran’s targeting of vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and its coasts, and attacks on regional energy infrastructure, nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and natural gas supply has been halted. Since the war began, oil prices in the global market have increased by more than 25%, driving up costs for everything from household kitchens to vehicles. If the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed, major producers like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait are forced to halt the shipment of approximately 140 million barrels of oil. This volume equals 1.4 days of total global demand.

Gold and silver prices increase in domestic market:

The prices of gold and silver increased in the domestic market on Sunday. Compared to last Friday, gold price has increased by Rs 3,500 per tola (11.66 grams) and that of silver by Rs 30 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold today is set at Rs 316,900 per tola, while the price of one tola of silver is set at Rs 5,475. On Friday, one tola of gold was traded at Rs 313,400, and the same amount of silver was traded at Rs 5,445.

OpenAI faces financial scrutiny as investors grow wary despite massive funding:

OpenAI, which currently dominates the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has reached a very difficult juncture. Despite raising over $168 billion in investment, this company, which has become a favorite among global investors, is causing major technology companies to become skeptical due to its failure to establish a profitable business model. Although Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently announced an additional $30 billion investment in OpenAI, he signaled that this might be the final investment. His statement that no more money can be poured into the company until it issues an Initial Public Offering (IPO) has created a new wave in the market. Nvidia has also backed away from the previously discussed $100 billion infrastructure investment. The $30 billion investment Nvidia is currently making is not small either. This amount is nearly one-eighth of Nvidia’s annual revenue and equivalent to 50 percent of its last quarter’s revenue. Although Nvidia’s latest financial report showed good revenue, its stock price has declined due to heavy investments in loss-making companies like OpenAI. Investors are confused about how to accurately value AI companies. OpenAI faces the challenge of needing to generate $200 billion in annual revenue by 2030 to justify its current valuation, which is 15 times higher than its current figures. On the other hand, its operating costs have skyrocketed. According to HSBC projections, OpenAI’s responsibility for managing computing power could reach $1.4 trillion by 2033.

Qatar will start supplying LNG to India once route is open:

Amid a severe energy crisis currently unfolding in the Middle East, Qatar has provided specific guarantees regarding LNG’s supply continuity. Qatar is said to start supplying LNG to India on the very first minute once the route is open. Indian media quoted officials as saying that this is complemented by a global interest in supplying the Indian market and that India has got offer of LNG from a large number of countries. The supply route from Qatar is effectively paralyzed because the Strait of Hormuz–the narrow but vital shipping corridor that connects the Persian Gulf to the open sea–has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Indian officials are positive about cargo movements near the Strait of Hormuz starting soon. This follows Iran’s pledge not to target neighbors unless attacked from their territory. Addressing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities, the Indian government has successfully reduced its reliance on the volatile Strait of Hormuz by diversifying its import routes. Reportedly, India has redirected a significant portion of its procurement to ensure a steady flow of oil, ramping up 10 per cent of its crude imports from sources other than the Strait of Hormuz.