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 Surges 62.29 Points to 2571; Volume Jumps to Rs 4.57 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closed on Tuesday with a substantial gain of 62.29 points, settling at 2571. After a brief dip at the opening, the market remained green all day. Trading volume saw a high increase, reaching Rs 4.57 billion, up significantly from Sunday’s Rs 2.79 billion turnovers. Price gains were widespread, with 236 companies rising against only 12 declining.

Banking Sector’s Non-Performing Loans Reach 4.62 Percent

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, as of the end of last fiscal year, the non-performing loan (NPL) rate of banks and financial institutions stood at 4.62 percent — equivalent to Rs 258 billion out of total loans worth Rs 5.594 trillion. Meanwhile, unpaid interest reached Rs 56.08 billion, compared to Rs 56.03 billion by mid-April. This indicates a slight improvement in recovery by the final quarter of the last fiscal year, leading the banking sector to expect better liquidity conditions in the current year.

Rs 35 Billion FDI Commitments in Three Months

Nepal received Rs 35.13 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in the first quarter (mid-July to mid-October) of the current fiscal year 2025/26. According to the Department of Industry, 311 projects were approved during this period, with Rs 4.94 billion committed from mid-September to mid-October alone for 54 new projects. The department said the commitments include seven large-scale, four medium-scale, and 300 small-scale industries.

Banks Deposit Nearly Rs 800 Billion in NRB in One Day

Banks deposited nearly Rs 800 billion in the central bank on Monday. Under the fixed deposit facility, 39 banks and financial institutions deposited Rs 730 billion for three days at an interest rate of 3%. Additionally, through the deposit collection instrument, 18 banks and financial institutions deposited Rs 90 billion for 42 days, with an average interest rate of 2.72%.

Nepal Exports 1,140 MW Electricity to India

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is currently exporting 1,140 megawatts of electricity to India daily, including 200 megawatts cut from industrial supply. India has permitted Nepal to export up to 1,165 megawatts, of which approximately 1,140 megawatts are currently being exported. The government has set a roadmap for energy production by 2035, targeting 28,500 megawatts of electricity generation, of which 13,500 megawatts will meet domestic demand and 15,000 megawatts will be exported to India and Bangladesh.

Rs 6.25 Billion Worth of Electric Vehicles Imported in First Quarter

In the first three months of the current fiscal year, Nepal imported electric cars, jeeps, and vans worth Rs 6.25 billion. According to the Department of Customs, the import value during the same period last year was Rs 6.10 billion. This year, 2,620 electric vehicles were imported, up from 2,516 units last year — an increase of 104 vehicles.

Food Management and Trading Company Begins Rice Procurement from Tuesday

The Food Management and Trading Company has begun purchasing paddy from farmers starting Tuesday for the ongoing fiscal year. The company has set a target to procure 190,000 quintals of paddy this year, for which a budget of Rs 700 million has been allocated. It has operated 13 procurement centers in major paddy-producing regions — Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, Rajapur, Nepalgunj, Jumla, Tulsipur, Bhairahawa, Pokhara, Birgunj, Lahan, Janakpur, Biratnagar, and Birtamod.

No Foreign Trade from Pokhara and Bhairahawa Airports in Q1

Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports have not been able to start foreign trade in the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2025/26.
Due to the absence of regular international flights, both airports remain limited to domestic operations and have contributed nothing to foreign trade. According to the Department of Customs, only 28 customs points facilitated international trade in the first quarter, with most airport-based trade concentrated in Kathmandu. Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office alone recorded imports and exports worth Rs 63 billion up to mid-october.

Investment Board Office Relocated

The office of the Investment Board located within the Parliament Building complex at New Baneshwor has been relocated. According to the Board, its office has been shifted to the building of the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority in Anamnagar. The Board stated that its office was completely damaged during the protests held on September 8 and 9. However, the Board clarified that regular work has resumed smoothly from the new location.

Government Initiates Process to Cancel 48 Road Division Contracts

The government has begun the process of canceling four dozen contracts under the Kathmandu Road Division. On Tuesday, the office issued a 15-day notice to construction companies asking why their contracts should not be canceled. Companies are required to appear in person within the period and provide clarification. The notice mentioned that if they fail to do so, contracts will be terminated and actions will be taken according to the contract terms and the Public Procurement Act. A total of 48 contracts include responsibilities for road construction, maintenance, traffic signal repairs, and road painting.

Nepali Embassy in Japan Begins Certification of Demand Letters for Skilled Workers

The Nepali Embassy in Japan has started the certification of demand letters for sending specified skilled workers (SSW) from October 13. The embassy stated that the certification is being carried out in accordance with existing laws, regulations, directives, and other relevant legal provisions, rules, and procedures related to bringing skilled workers. Applicants can obtain the required documents from the embassy’s website and submit applications accordingly, the embassy requested.

Rs 210 Million Spent on Import of Packaged Snacks in Three Months

Nepal spent more than Rs 210 million on importing Kurkure, Kurmure, Lays, and Cheese Balls in the first three months of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Customs, imports of these items amounted to Rs 213.45 million between mid-July and mid-October 2025/26. During this period, Nepal imported 413,378 kilograms of Kurkure, Kurmure, and Lays, generating customs revenue of Rs 133.57 million for the government.

Ghorahi and Sonapur Cement Industries Shut Down After NEA Cuts Power Supply

Ghorahi and Sonapur cement industries in Dang have shut down after the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) cut their power supply. NEA disconnected Ghorahi Cement’s power on October 21 and Sonapur Cement’s on October 24. Ghorahi Cement used to produce 3,000 metric tons of clinker daily and cement as per market demand, with a daily capacity of 85,000 bags. The shutdown has left around 600 workers and employees jobless.

Power Cut Halts 10 Industries in Butwal–Bhairahawa Corridor, 24,000 Workers Affected

Ten industries in the Butwal–Bhairahawa Industrial Corridor have shut down after NEA cut power from Friday evening, citing unpaid premium fees for dedicated and trunk lines. As a result, around 24,000 workers have become jobless. The dispute between NEA and 21 industries in Rupandehi over premium fees has been ongoing since 2020. Industries have refused to pay, arguing there is no proof they used dedicated or trunk lines.

Lumbini Province Spends Only 7.23 Percent of Capital Budget in Three Months

The Lumbini Province government has spent only 7.23 percent of its capital budget in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. One ministry has not spent a single rupee, and four ministries, including that one, have spent less than 1 percent. According to the Lumbini Provincial Accounts Control Office, the Ministry of Health topped capital expenditure, spending Rs 604.65 million as of mid-October.

Local Residents Demand Shares of Khimti-I

Local residents of the first private hydropower project, Khimti-I, which has been producing electricity for 26 years, have demanded shares. A delegation led by Tamakoshi Rural Municipality Chair Pronpratap KC, Executive Member Suman Mijar, and Gokulganga Rural Municipality Chair Kajibahadur Khadka met Energy and Water Resources Minister Kulman Ghising at Singha Durbar immediately after Tihar and demanded shares.

SY Panel IPO to Open for General Public from November 5

The IPO of SY Panel will open for the general public from November 5. Previously, the IPO was distributed among Nepalis working abroad and local residents affected by the project. Prabhu Capital is the share issuance and sales manager. The company plans to issue 40% of its issued capital, i.e., 5,232,548 shares, to the general public. The total issued capital of the company is 130,813,701 shares.

Nepal Shalimar Cement’s Trade Grows by 49.6%

The trade of Nepal Shalimar Cement increased by 49.6% in 2025 compared to 2024. The company’s trade was Rs 629 million in 2024 and rose to Rs 941 million in 2025. The company recorded trade of Rs 1.09 billion in 2023, Rs 2.063 billion in 2022, and Rs 2.45 billion in 2021.

ICRA Nepal Calls Annual General Meeting

Rating agency ICRA Nepal has called its 13th annual general meeting along with a dividend proposal. The meeting will be held on November 3 at Hotel Aloft in Thamel, Kathmandu. The company will propose a cash dividend of Rs 34,064,219, equivalent to 47.311% of the paid-up capital.

Gold Price Drops by Rs 2,900 in Nepali Market

The price of gold in the Nepali market fell by Rs 2,900 per tola on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold, which stood at Rs 239,900 per tola on Monday, decreased to Rs 237,000 per tola on Tuesday. The association also reported that the price of 10 grams of gold was fixed at Rs 203,190 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the price of silver also declined on Tuesday.