KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
NEPSE surges 83.33 points as all sectors gain
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose by 83.33 points (3.11 percent) on Monday to close at 2,760.02, marking a strong rebound. The Sensitive Index climbed 3.12 percent to 471.92, while the Float and Sensitive Float indices also posted gains. A total of 25.15 million shares of 345 companies were traded in 124,093 transactions, generating Rs 10.93 billion in turnover, slightly lower than the previous session. All 13 sub-indices ended in positive territory, led by hydropower and finance, with other sectors such as development banks, investment, hotels, and commercial banks also recording notable gains.
Gold prices fall by Rs 2,600 per tola
Gold prices declined by Rs 2,600 per tola on Monday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, bringing the price down to Rs 291,400 per tola. Silver prices also dropped by Rs 50 per tola to Rs 4,780, reflecting a broader dip in precious metal rates.
NEPSE to operate five days a week, closed on Saturdays and Sundays
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) will now operate five days a week—from Sunday to Friday—remaining closed on Saturdays and Sundays in line with the government’s two-day weekend policy. The decision resolves earlier confusion over trading days following the revised public holiday schedule. It was made after a meeting between Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and the Nepal Stock Broker Association. NEPSE spokesperson Murahari Parajuli said the board will formalize the change, confirming trading on Fridays instead of Sundays. A similar schedule had previously been introduced on May 20, 2022, under the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba.
President calls on NRNA to channel foreign investment for economic growth
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged the Nepali diaspora to serve as a bridge for foreign investment, highlighting Nepal’s untapped economic potential. During a meeting with newly elected officials of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) at Shital Niwas on Monday, he stressed that the global reputation of Nepalis is closely tied to national prosperity. He identified hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and information technology as priority sectors, noting Nepal’s strategic proximity to major markets like China and India as an advantage for industrial growth and regional cooperation.
NRB reduces risk weight for SME loans to 60%
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has lowered the risk weightage for small and medium enterprise (SME) loans up to Rs 30 million from 75 percent to 60 percent to boost lending to productive sectors. The revised directive targets investments in agriculture, information technology, and manufacturing. The central bank has also required project insurance and maintained a 25 percent margin requirement on real estate collateral for secured loans.
Banks extend operating hours under new weekend policy
Banks and financial institutions across Nepal have revised their working hours to 9:00 am–5:00 pm starting Monday, in line with the government’s five-day workweek policy. During the winter months (November to January), office hours will shift to 9:00 am–4:00 pm. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) approved the change to ensure uninterrupted banking services despite the additional weekly holiday.
Stock brokers submit six-point reform plan to finance minister
The Stock Broker Association of Nepal has presented a six-point reform proposal to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle aimed at stabilizing the stock market. Key recommendations include easing share trading by banks, simplifying market access for non-resident Nepalis, and finalizing capital gains tax policies. Minister Wagle assured that the upcoming budget would support private sector growth and strengthen governance to help Nepal exit the international financial “grey list.”
NOC urges public to cut fuel consumption
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has appealed to the public to reduce unnecessary fuel use following the implementation of a two-day weekend. Spokesperson Manoj Thakur said the corporation is facing losses of Rs 120 per liter. With daily consumption reaching 2.5 million liters of petrol and 50 million liters of diesel, authorities stress public cooperation to ease supply pressures. The government is also considering policies to promote electric vehicles for long-term energy security.
Labour ministry warns employers over unpaid minimum wages
The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has warned employers to comply with minimum wage laws and provide social security benefits. The ministry cited rising complaints from healthcare workers, teachers, and industrial laborers being denied basic entitlements such as leave, insurance, and medical care. It stated that legal action will be taken against violators and urged employers to enroll workers in the Social Security Fund.
Kathmandu–Taplejung airfares rise by 33% amid fuel price surge
Airfares on the Kathmandu–Taplejung route have increased by over 33 percent from Monday due to rising international aviation fuel costs. According to the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), fares have increased by Rs 3,075, with new ticket prices exceeding Rs 12,000. Flight frequency has also been reduced from three to two per week.
Lumbini government to focus on realistic budgeting
Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya has said the upcoming provincial budget will be based on realistic needs and project bank recommendations. Speaking at a budget discussion in Deukhuri, he emphasized reforms to improve transparency and accountability. Officials also highlighted the need for a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) to strengthen budget analysis and ensure only technically viable projects are included.
Four major marts asked to submit documents within three days
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has taken action against four large retail outlets for irregularities found during inspections. The businesses have been instructed to appear within three days with relevant documents. Another firm received similar instructions, while 10 others were issued warnings, as part of ongoing efforts to curb black marketing and protect consumers.
Flights to Suketar resume after three-week disruption
Flight operations at Suketar Airport in Taplejung have resumed after a three-week suspension caused by poor weather. The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) confirmed that services, halted since March 18, restarted on Monday. However, flight schedules remain limited, with temporary adjustments due to fuel costs.
Postal Department launches express courier service on holidays
The Postal Services Department has introduced an “Express Way” courier service that will operate even on public holidays, following directives from Minister for Information and Communication Technology Bikram Timilsina. The system coordinates with Tribhuvan International Airport customs and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to speed up international parcel clearance. Director General Manmaya Bhattrai Pangeini said dedicated customs desks have been set up to ensure smoother import and export processes. Data from mid-February to mid-March shows growing demand, with over 19,200 incoming and 11,700 outgoing parcels handled by the Dillibazar Post Office.
Wheat seed research expands across five hectares in Parbat
Agricultural authorities in Parbat have expanded wheat cultivation to five hectares in Phalebas Municipality-6 for advanced seed research. In collaboration with the National Wheat Research Council, eight wheat varieties—including Gautam, Bheriganga, Himganga, and Zink—are being tested for suitability in hilly regions. Local farmers, supported by Shakti Agriculture and Livestock Farm, are participating under the “Seed Production for Self-Reliance” program. Promising varieties such as NL 1179 and NL 1488 are being prepared for official recommendation.
Community schools in Kailali raise fees to pay teachers
Several community schools in Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali, have begun charging students monthly fees to pay teachers hired under local grants. Despite constitutional provisions for free education up to Grade 8, schools like Himalaya Secondary School said they collect “service fees” from Grade 6 onwards due to funding shortages. The municipality currently provides stipends to 47 teachers, ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 13,000 per month. Officials say the practice reflects deeper structural issues, including limited resources and challenges in redistributing teaching staff.
Middle East conflict disrupts infrastructure projects in Kavre
Ongoing tensions in West Asia have disrupted infrastructure projects in Kavrepalanchowk, including the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road expansion. A sharp shortage of bitumen and a 30–40 percent price hike have forced contractors to halt blacktopping work on a 2.5-km stretch in Banepa and Janagal. Supplies from Iran have disappeared, while imports via the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have become significantly more expensive, making projects financially unviable under existing contracts.
Simkhet–Sisathanti bridge project stalled
Construction of a motorable bridge linking Kushma Municipality-10 and Phalebas Municipality-3 in Parbat has stalled, with only 25 percent progress made two years after the contract was awarded. The Rs 25.1 million project, assigned to Set Square JV Rajbiraj, has seen no work for the past year. Authorities have warned of contract termination if construction does not resume, as local residents continue to face risks crossing the river, especially during the monsoon.
Bird flu detected in 23 locations across the country
Authorities have confirmed 23 outbreaks of bird flu (H5N1) across Nepal in March, according to the Department of Livestock Services. The first case was reported on March 20 in Morang, with subsequent spread to Sunsari, Jhapa, Chitwan, and Kathmandu—including infected crows found at Tribhuvan University. More than 104,000 poultry birds have been culled, and movement of poultry has been restricted in affected districts. The government is providing 75 percent compensation to farmers.
Chitwan to host 10th international exhibition from April 10
The Chitwan Industry Association will organize the 10th International Exhibition from April 10 to 12, featuring 100 stalls showcasing machinery, technology, and local products. The event is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors and promote the “Make in Nepal” initiative, while facilitating export opportunities to markets including India, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka.
Pushpa Raj Kunwar elected unopposed as FNCCI Sudurpashchim president
Pushpa Raj Kunwar has been elected unopposed as the Sudurpashchim Province president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Other key positions, including vice president and treasurer, were also filled without contest, reflecting consensus within the region’s business community.
Chandra–Hemraj group secures four FNCCI provincial presidencies
The alliance led by Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Hemraj Dhakal has won four out of five provincial presidencies in FNCCI elections. Victories in Koshi, Gandaki, Madhesh, and Karnali provinces give the group a strong advantage ahead of the national leadership race, as provincial leaders play a key role in influencing voting blocs.
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