KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
NEPSE closes down on final trading day of fiscal year 2081 B.S.
On the closing day of fiscal year 2081 B.S., the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) ended in the red, dropping by 8.84 points to settle at 2,661.86. The index saw fluctuations throughout Sunday’s session before closing lower.
Trading volume reached Rs 6.28 billion, with over 13.19 million shares exchanged. Most sector indices posted losses, except for Hotels & Tourism, Investment, Mutual Fund, and Non-life Insurance. Despite the downturn, Nepal Micro Insurance Company reached the upper circuit, while Vin Nepal Laghubitta hit the lower limit.
Gold price soars to record Rs 186,800 per tola
Gold prices in Nepal have hit an all-time high, reaching Rs 186,800 per tola on Sunday. This marks a Rs 1,000 increase over the previous record set just days earlier. The precious metal has been on an upward trend since Thursday, with a notable Rs 3,900 jump recorded on Friday alone, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations.
NRB to invest Rs 970 million from grant and pension fund into fixed deposits
Nepal Rastra Bank announced its plan to deposit Rs 970 million—sourced from its grant and pension fund—into fixed-term accounts in licensed banks and financial institutions. Of the total, Rs 776 million will go to Class ‘A’ commercial banks, Rs 145.5 million to Class ‘B’ development banks, and Rs 48.5 million to Class ‘C’ finance companies.
Nepal Rastra Bank to withdraw Rs 30 billion to tackle excess liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to pull Rs 30 billion from circulation today to manage surplus liquidity. The central bank will use its deposit collection mechanism for a 21-day term. This liquidity management measure, carried out every Sunday and Wednesday, allows banks to bid online for amounts between Rs 100 million and Rs 500 million, with bids due by 3 PM today.
FNCCI President advocates for budget based on reform commission proposals
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has called on the government to design the upcoming budget following the recommendations of the High-Level Economic Reform Commission.
Speaking at a budget policy interaction in Rupandehi, Dhakal stressed that addressing economic challenges requires a people-focused approach, with emphasis on production and employment rather than just revenue collection.
Cement and Rebar MRP enforcement Starts from Baisakh 1
Starting Baisakh 1, 2082 (April 14, 2025), the government has mandated the inclusion of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) labels on cement and iron rods. The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection issued the directive after multiple rounds of discussion with manufacturers. While the MRP requirement for other products took effect earlier, cement and rebar producers had initially resisted the change.
Majority of banks maintain interest rates for Baisakh
Interest rates for Baisakh remain largely unchanged across Nepal’s commercial banks. Out of 20 banks, 16 kept their rates stable, three lowered them slightly, and one increased its rate. Kumari Bank, Sanima Bank, and Nepal Bank made minor reductions, while Everest Bank hiked its personal deposit rate by 0.61%. The stagnation in credit demand has prompted most banks to maintain consistent rates.
Hydropower firms request PM to overturn PAC decision blocking share issuance
Representatives from the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) have asked Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to intervene in a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directive that has prevented 53 hydropower companies from issuing shares for nearly two years. The group urged the government to facilitate share issuance to aid capital expansion.
Writ filed against amendment removing age cap for NRB Governor
A legal challenge has been filed at the Supreme Court against the recent removal of the age limit for appointing the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. Filed by advocates Prativa Upreti and Bishal Thapa, the writ seeks the cancellation of the amendment that eliminated the 65-year age cap for top-level appointments under the Ministry of Finance. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Rupandehi businesses push for production-focused budget
Entrepreneurs from Rupandehi have urged the government to move away from tax-centric policies and instead promote production and export-oriented strategies. At a recent Ministry of Finance budget consultation, industrialists highlighted the need to broaden the tax base, reduce excise burdens, and resolve issues surrounding customs, trunk lines, and insurance.
Bad weather diverts seven Kathmandu-bound flights
Unfavorable weather conditions led to the diversion of seven flights intended for Kathmandu. According to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), three international flights—Fly Dubai from Dubai (diverted to Kolkata), Air India from Delhi, and Air Arabia from Sharjah (both diverted to Varanasi)—were rerouted. Four domestic flights from Biratnagar and Pokhara had to return to their origin airports.
Sugar mills pay farmers, but govt subsidy still in limbo
Sugarcane farmers have received timely payments from sugar mills this year, but the government’s subsidy portion remains unpaid. Of the NPR 655 per quintal price set by the Cabinet, mills covered NPR 585, while the remaining NPR 70—promised as a subsidy by the state—is still pending, according to the Nepal Sugarcane Producers Association.
Violence erupts as government tries to resume tunnel project
An attempt to restart work on the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel project led to clashes between police and protesting locals. The dispute stems from an unresolved eight-point demand by the residents, who had halted construction since Chaitra 3. On Sunday morning, tensions escalated when security forces were deployed to the project site.
NPR 268 million fraud uncovered at Kanti Bhairab Cooperative
Police have arrested nine individuals tied to a major fraud case involving NPR 268 million at Kanti Bhairab Savings and Credit Cooperative in Gokarneshwar.
Among those detained are current and former top officials of the cooperative, including the chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, and others suspected of embezzlement.
Birgunj industries raise alarm over power cuts
Industrialists in Birgunj have raised concerns over frequent and unannounced power outages, contradicting Nepal Electricity Authority’s previous declaration of a load-shedding-free industrial zone. The erratic power supply has hampered production and damaged equipment, prompting the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce to demand immediate action.
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