KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The recent developments in Nepal’s economy and infrastructure showcase notable progress and challenges.
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has seen a positive shift, gaining 29.87 points, signaling investor confidence despite the fluctuations in the market.
Alongside this, the successful initiation of regular petroleum imports through pipelines is expected to strengthen the energy sector, with the Nepal Oil Corporation now fully equipped to distribute petrol across the country.
However, the devastating fire in Halesi highlights the vulnerability of properties, with losses amounting to over Rs 70.3 million, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures.
Additionally, the rise in gold and silver prices, alongside the FPO approval for Wean Nepal Laghubitta, reflects the dynamic financial environment, with opportunities and risks shaping the business landscape.
The upcoming adventure marathon at Kanchenjunga Base Camp also illustrates the growing interest in Nepal’s tourism sector, which could further bolster the nation’s economy.
NEPSE climbs by 29.87 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw a notable increase today, rising by 29.87 points, or 1.10%, to close at 2,727.91. This follows a gain of 19.56 points in the previous session.
The trading day began at 2,676.92, with the index fluctuating between a peak of 2,698.31 and a low of 2,675.90.
The total turnover for the day amounted to Rs. 10.04 billion, with 18,081,168 shares traded across 302 companies through 102,861 transactions.
Regular import of petroleum products via pipelines begins
The regular import of petroleum products through pipelines from India’s Motihari to Amlekhgunj in Bara has officially started.
The Nepal Oil Corporation’s Madhes Regional Office in Amlekhgunj confirmed that the import of products like petrol and kerosene has begun following the completion of the Intra-national Petroleum Pipeline Expansion project.
Chief of Nepal Oil Corporation Madhes Province Office, Pralayankar Acharya, stated that the pipeline expansion work is now complete, and distribution of imported petrol to depots in major cities has commenced.
The expansion included the construction of various facilities at the Indian Oil Corporation’s depot in Amlekhgunj, including large petrol and transmix tanks, loading refillers, a pump house, and a laboratory.
Agreement signed with India to export 17,000 megawatt power
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has said an agreement has been signed with Indian government in order to export 17,000 megawatt electricity through cross-border transmission line.
Unveiling the seven edition of Urja Khabar magazine published by Energy Information Centre Pvt Ltd, Minister Khadka shared that Nepal-India secretary-level meeting made this agreement to fulfill the target of Energy Development Roadmap, 2081.
Gold price increases by Rs 1,200 per tola
Gold price increased by Rs 1,200 per tola on Monday after dropping by Rs 2,700 per tola yesterday.
Silver prices also went up. As per the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, gold was priced at Rs 168,700 per tola, up from Rs 167,500 per tola on Sunday.
Last Friday, the price of gold had peaked at Rs 170,200 per tola.
Additionally, silver also rose by Rs 15 per tola, and was traded at Rs 1,970 per tola.
SEBON approves FPO of Wean Nepal Laghubitta
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has given the green light for the Further Public Offering (FPO) of Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB).
WNLB will issue 51,292.50 units of FPO shares, which the general public can apply for at a par value of Rs. 100 per share.
This move is expected to raise Rs. 51.29 lakhs for the company. Following the issuance, the company’s paid-up capital, currently at Rs. 7.92 crores, will increase to Rs. 8.43 crores.
Nepal SBI Merchant Banking Limited has been appointed as the issue manager for the FPO.
Adventure Half Marathon to take place at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
An adventure half marathon is scheduled to be held at the Kanchenjunga base camp, organized by Sirijunga Rural Municipality of Taplejung.
The event is set to take place from April 26-28, 2025, during the Sirijunga Festival-2025.
The marathon will be held at the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level.
Properties worth over Rs 70.3 million destroyed in Halesi fire
A fire caused by a cooking gas cylinder leak in Khotang’s Halesi, a well-known religious site, has resulted in property damage exceeding Rs 70.3 million.
The fire, which began in the kitchen of Padam Shumsher Rai’s home in Mahadevsthan, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-7, late last night, spread to and destroyed four houses, three hotels, a hardware shop, and a microfinance office, as reported by Acting Chief District Officer Hiradhan Rai.
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