KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Nepal’s economic landscape reflects cautious optimism amid global uncertainties, with the stock market advancing broadly and investor participation remaining strong, while gold prices surged as a potential hedge against external volatility. The sharp rise in Nepal Rastra Bank’s assets, largely driven by foreign currency investments, indicates strengthening external reserves and prudent monetary positioning.
At the same time, stable domestic fuel prices despite global increases suggest efforts to shield consumers from inflationary pressure. Growing EV imports from China highlight shifting trade dynamics and Nepal’s accelerating energy transition, while the launch of new IPOs and tech cooperation initiatives with India signal expanding investment and digital ambitions.
However, international risks, including Middle East tensions affecting air travel and oil markets, underscore Nepal’s exposure to global shocks. Together, these developments portray an economy balancing domestic momentum, structural transformation, and external vulnerabilities.
NEPSE climbs 19.27 points to settle at 2,674.20
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose by 19.27 points on Sunday, closing at 2,674.20, a 0.72 percent increase. A total of 13,193,462 shares from 341 companies were traded through 55,206 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 5.64 billion. All sector indices finished in positive territory. Salapa Bikas Bank Limited recorded the highest daily gain, with its share price surging 9.99 percent, while Himstar Urja Company Limited posted the biggest loss, dropping 4.16 percent. Radhi Bidyut Company Limited led in transaction value, with shares worth Rs 360.5 million traded. Api Power Company Limited saw the highest trading volume, with 1,049,844 shares exchanged, according to NEPSE.
Gold price jumps by Rs 5,600 per tola
Gold prices rose by Rs 5,600 per tola on Sunday, while silver increased by Rs 245 per tola. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations set hallmark gold at Rs 320,500 per tola and silver at Rs 5,985 per tola. Internationally, gold was trading at USD 5,278 per ounce.
NRB’s assets increase by Rs 646 billion in seven months
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reported a Rs 646 billion increase in total assets during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, driven largely by earnings from foreign currency-based assets. According to its Statement of Financial Position, total assets reached Rs 3.317 trillion, up from Rs 2.671 trillion during the review period. Foreign currency assets accounted for Rs 3.207 trillion of the total. The central bank invested Rs 2.147 trillion in foreign securities and purchased gold certificates worth Rs 245.72 billion, more than double the amount recorded in mid-July 2025. Additionally, NRB deposited foreign currency equivalent to Rs 646.83 billion in fixed accounts with various banks abroad.
Nepal-India Tech Forum 2026 held in New Delhi to strengthen digital ties
The Nepal-India Tech Forum 2026 took place in New Delhi on Friday in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in India, Genese Solution, and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The forum gathered policymakers, business leaders, and technology experts to explore deeper cooperation in digital innovation, infrastructure, and investment. Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, highlighted Nepal’s digital progress and encouraged Indian IT companies to invest in the country. He referenced Nepal’s IT Policy of 2000, the National AI Policy 2025, and the “IT Decade Vision,” along with initiatives such as AI Excellence Centers and the FASG Framework. Opportunities in cloud computing, Fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence were emphasized, noting the involvement of Indian firms like Infosys in Nepal’s banking sector.
Passengers advised to confirm flight status before heading to TIA
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to international airspace, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has urged travelers to verify their flight status before arriving at the airport. Recent airspace restrictions have led to delays, rescheduling, and occasional cancellations. TIA has asked passengers, particularly those traveling to and from the Middle East, to coordinate directly with their airlines to avoid inconvenience. Airport authorities said they are working closely with airlines and relevant agencies to manage passenger services efficiently despite uncertainties in regional air traffic.
Shikhar Power opens IPO for public subscription
Shikhar Power Development Company has launched its initial public offering (IPO) for the general public from Sunday. The company has issued 1,842,600 shares worth Rs 184.26 million for public investors and allocated 44,400 shares for employees. Earlier, shares were distributed to residents of project-affected areas and Nepalis working abroad. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 10,000 shares. The IPO will close between March 10 and March 15. ICRA Nepal has assigned the company an “ICRANP BB” issuer rating, indicating moderate credit risk. Global IME Capital Limited is managing the issuance.
Over 11,000 quintals of paddy procured from farmers
The Food Management and Trade Company Limited, Madhes Province Office in Janakpurdham, has purchased 11,665 quintals of paddy from farmers in Mahottari and Dhanusha over the past three months. Provincial head Nirmal Thapa said paddy worth Rs 42.324 million was bought from 300 farmers. Procurement has now stopped as storage facilities are full. The purchase rate was Rs 3,628.33 per quintal. Since this was higher than the market price, farmers sold in large numbers. The company set a target of purchasing 13,000 quintals this year.
NOC keeps fuel prices unchanged despite global hike
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to maintain existing petroleum prices despite rising international rates. The corporation stated that the decision was made to ease consumer burden, even though global prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas have increased.
Chinese EVs dominate Nepal’s vehicle imports in seven months
Electric vehicle imports from China outpaced those from India by nearly seven times during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. According to the Department of Customs, more than 17,000 EVs were imported between mid-July 2025 and mid-February 2026. Of these, 14,475 units came from China, while 2,218 were imported from India. In the 51–100 kW four-wheeler segment, China supplied 2,502 units, compared to 498 from India and 401 from Thailand. The government collected over Rs 10.5 billion in revenue from four-wheeler EV imports.
Night-time business restricted in Pokhara during election period
Night-time business activities have been restricted in Kaski district from Monday due to the sensitivity of the House of Representatives election. Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and beverage shops are allowed to operate only until 9:00 pm until further notice. Authorities have urged cooperation to maintain peace and security during the election and Holi festival period.
Farmers in Bhojpur shift toward commercial garlic farming
Farmers in Majaule of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-5 are increasingly turning to commercial garlic cultivation as a profitable alternative to traditional crops. Improved road access has eased market connectivity, attracting traders directly to villages. Farmer Bijaya Luitel said garlic farming on two ropanis of land has provided strong returns, with last year’s prices reaching up to Rs 200 per kilo. Favorable soil, low production costs, and long storage capacity have made garlic a reliable cash crop. Local authorities are prioritizing agricultural modernization, irrigation, and technical support.
People’s Campus hosts digital banking awareness program
People’s Campus organized a digital banking awareness program to educate students about safe online financial practices amid growing concerns over cyber fraud. Economic journalist Chiranjibi Bhattarai highlighted online payment systems, mobile banking, QR transactions, and cyber threats such as phishing and OTP misuse. Campus Chief Manoj Bahadur Kunwar stressed the importance of caution and responsible digital transactions as financial scams continue to rise.
Xiaomi launches new service centers in Birgunj and Janakpur
Xiaomi has opened official service centers in Birgunj and Janakpur to enhance customer service in Madhes Province. The centers, located in Adarshanagar (Birgunj) and Arbet Mall, Shivachowk (Janakpur), will provide repairs and technical support for smartphones, wearables, hearables, and IoT devices. Teledirector Pvt. Ltd., under Ramesh Corp, will manage operations in Nepal.
HSBC maintains Brent crude forecast at USD 65 per barrel
HSBC Global Investment Research has kept its 2026 Brent crude forecast at USD 65 per barrel despite heightened risks following strikes on Iran. The bank warned that potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern, although spare production capacity exists in the Gulf region.
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