KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The latest developments point to a broadly optimistic but uneven economic and policy landscape in Nepal, where strong momentum in financial markets—highlighted by a sharp rise in NEPSE and active trading—contrasts with regulatory crackdowns and structural inefficiencies in key sectors.
Increased oversight by SEBON and judicial intervention in bodies like FNCCI suggest tightening governance, while infrastructure initiatives such as the Nagdhunga Tunnel toll implementation and flood control investments reflect ongoing state-led development efforts. However, distortions in markets—seen in overpriced subsidized goods in Humla and declining precious metal prices—indicate underlying imbalances.
At the same time, rising public revenues, expanding irrigation coverage, and grassroots initiatives in entrepreneurship, health insurance, and community infrastructure signal progress in local economic resilience. Yet, disruptions like halted air services and policy uncertainties show persistent vulnerabilities.
Overall, the picture is one of short-term financial confidence supported by state intervention, but tempered by governance challenges, regional disparities, and implementation gaps that continue to shape Nepal’s economic trajectory.
NEPSE jumps 48.71 points as all sectors gain
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) climbed 48.71 points, or 1.73 percent, to close at 2,851.24 on Thursday. The Sensitive Index rose by 4.64 points to 481.53, while the float and sensitive float indices increased by 1.57 percent and 1.03 percent, respectively. A total of 27,931,770 shares of 338 companies were traded through 108,869 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 9.919 billion. All 13 sector indices recorded gains, led by the ‘Others’, hydropower, and hotels and tourism groups. Shares of six companies hit the positive circuit limit.
Gold and silver prices decline in domestic market
Gold and silver prices fell in the domestic market compared to the previous day. Gold dropped by Rs 4,300 per tola to Rs 294,700, while silver declined by Rs 150 to Rs 4,875 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. On Wednesday, gold was priced at Rs 299,000 per tola and silver at Rs 5,025.
Nagdhunga tunnel toll rates come into effect
The government has implemented toll charges for the Nagdhunga Tunnel, with rates published in the gazette on Thursday. Light vehicles such as cars, vans, and pickups will pay Rs 65 to enter Kathmandu and Rs 60 to exit. Minibuses and mini trucks will be charged Rs 115 for entry and Rs 80 for exit, while heavy and multi-axle vehicles will pay up to Rs 600 for entry and Rs 250 for departure.
Patan High Court halts FNCCI annual meeting and elections
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has had its 60th annual general meeting and elections, scheduled for April 12–13, suspended following an interim order from the Patan High Court. The order was issued by a bench of Justices Khadak Bahadur KC and Deepak Khanal in response to a writ filed by the Nepal Petroleum Transport Entrepreneurs Association on April 5. The petition named the FNCCI, its executive, membership, and election committees as respondents, effectively halting the electoral process until further notice.
SEBON suspends Bhrikuti Stock Broking over Rs 5.11 billion liability
The Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) has suspended the license of Bhrikuti Stock Broking Company for failing to clear liabilities exceeding Rs 5.11 billion owed to investors. The regulator found that the company violated the Securities Act, 2007, by misusing client funds, failing to collect the required 25 percent advance payment for share purchases, and issuing shares without payment. SEBON concluded that such practices posed serious risks to the capital market and acted under Section 88 to prevent further investor losses.
NFC faces criticism for selling cooking oil above market rates in Humla
The Food Management and Trading Company has drawn criticism in Humla for selling cooking oil at higher prices than local markets despite receiving transportation subsidies. Sunflower oil is being sold at Rs 291 per liter compared to the market rate of Rs 280, while soybean oil is priced at Rs 285 per liter against Rs 260 locally. Officials cited higher procurement costs, but traders said the failure to adjust to current market prices before transporting 6,000 liters from Surkhet has made the stock difficult to sell.
Federal government allocates Rs 120 million for flood control in Susta
The federal government has committed around Rs 120 million for emergency river control and embankment works in Susta, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta Paschim), targeting a 500-meter stretch of the Narayani River damaged last year. The project is divided into two sections, handled by Shivam Construction JV and KB Construction. Engineers are using RCC porcupine technology, installing 4,300 cement poles to redirect water flow, with completion targeted before mid-July.
Inaruwa land revenue office collects Rs 517.4 million in eight months
The Land Revenue Office in Inaruwa, Sunsari, has collected Rs 517.4 million in the first eight months of fiscal year 2025/26, surpassing last year’s total of Rs 475.2 million. According to Land Revenue Officer Santosh Darji, the increase is driven by rising real estate transactions, plotting, and industrial expansion in Inaruwa, Ramdhuni, Itahari, and Duhabi. The highest monthly collection exceeded Rs 95.6 million during November–December 2025.
Salyan recommends 767 projects for Karnali Province budget
Salyan district has proposed 767 projects for inclusion in the Karnali Province budget for fiscal year 2026/27. Out of 1,708 submissions, priority has been given to infrastructure projects worth Rs 2 billion and water, irrigation, and energy projects totaling Rs 3.10 billion. A new guideline requires a minimum allocation of Rs 5 million for road and building projects to discourage fragmented planning, and all approved projects must be entered into the Project Bank by April 28.
All candidates in Gulmi submit election expense reports on time
All 43 candidates who contested the March 5 House of Representatives election in Gulmi have submitted their expense reports within the required 30-day period. A total of Rs 16.5 million was spent by candidates, including 20 from political parties and 23 independents. In Constituency No. 1, spending reached Rs 8.83 million, while Constituency No. 2 recorded Rs 7.6 million. Winners from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Sagar Dhakal and Govinda Panthi, also disclosed their expenses publicly.
Nationwide training begins for second national economic census
The National Statistics Office has launched a five-day nationwide training program for enumerators for the Second National Economic Census, 2026. Conducted across 84 offices, the training aims to update economic data and map the structure of economic activities. Deputy Chief Statistician Dhundiraj Lamichhane said enumerators will be deployed nationwide from April 15. Nepal’s first economic census was conducted in 2018.
NTC extends prepaid package validity to 30 days
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has extended the validity of its “Combo-299 Pack” from 28 days to 30 days. Acting Managing Director Rina Dangol confirmed that all similar packages will shift to a 30-day cycle by April 24 following consultations with Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina. The company is also introducing a “Pay-As-You-Go” option to prevent automatic balance deductions after data limits are reached, along with alerts when users consume 90% of their data. These changes are part of a broader reform plan to improve service quality and digital access.
Irrigation access expands to 55% of arable land in Lumbini
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has reported that irrigation facilities now cover 55% of Lumbini Province’s 679,085 hectares of cultivable land. At present, 361,867 hectares have access to irrigation, with 35% receiving year-round supply. Since the province was established, irrigation has been extended to an additional 23,135 hectares. Chief Minister Chetan Acharya stressed the importance of sustainable water management through reservoirs and dams to address climate change, noting that year-round irrigation coverage has risen from 20% to 35%.
Youth entrepreneurship program creates jobs in Ilam
The “Vice-Chair with Youth Entrepreneurs” initiative in Maijogmai Rural Municipality, Ilam, has generated local employment through targeted training and financial support. Vice-Chair Prabina Rai said grants of up to Rs 200,000 were provided to entrepreneurs engaged in dairy processing, millet-based products, and beekeeping. Among the beneficiaries, Parvati Bhattarai received Rs 200,000 for a biscuit enterprise, while others were supported in poultry and livestock farming. This year, 30 participants completed training in confectionery and dairy production. Chairman Kush Bahadur Thebe said the program aims to encourage youth to pursue opportunities within their communities instead of seeking jobs abroad.
Community invests Rs 5.5 million in Dandagaon sports complex
The Himali Youth Club in Malika Rural Municipality-6, Gulmi, has completed construction of a community building and sports ground costing Rs 5.5 million. Club President Tukman Jugjali said local contributions and volunteer labor exceeded government funding, with Rs 1.7 million provided by the rural municipality and Rs 1.2 million by Gandaki Province. Community groups, including the Phulpati Mothers’ Group, and individual donors also made significant contributions. The facility features a 63-meter playing field and was inaugurated by Provincial Assembly Member Resham Bahadur Jugjali.
Construction of high-altitude training center resumes in Jumla
Work on Nepal’s first high-altitude sports training center in Patarasi-3, Jumla, has resumed after resolving a prolonged land dispute. The National Sports Council (NSC) has issued a Rs 50 million tender for infrastructure development following the donation of 6,120 square meters of land by local residents. With an estimated total cost of Rs 1.058 billion, the project will include facilities for more than two dozen sports, including football and athletics, and is expected to promote sports tourism and economic growth in Karnali Province.
Health insurance coverage surpasses 66,000 in Baitadi
More than 66,247 individuals from 16,441 households in Baitadi have enrolled in the Health Insurance Program. According to District Contact Office Chief Anil Chandra Joshi, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and chronically ill patients receive free coverage, while the government subsidizes half the premium for female health volunteers. Families of up to five members pay Rs 3,500 annually for coverage up to Rs 100,000, with an additional Rs 700 per extra member for expanded benefits.
NEA to provide jobs to eight more Gen Z martyr families
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), under the leadership of Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has decided to offer employment to members of eight additional families of those killed during the Gen Z protests. The move follows newly issued 2026 relief guidelines and government gazette provisions. The NEA had previously begun hiring for 27 such families. The newly included families are from various districts, including Kathmandu, Udayapur, Sindhupalchowk, Sankhuwasabha, Sarlahi, Bajhang, and Lamjung.
Stockbrokers contest FNCCI executive committee elections
Five leading stockbrokers have entered the race for the executive committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) ahead of its 60th Annual General Meeting. Stock Broker Association President Sagar Dhakal and former president Dharmaraj Sapkota are competing in the commodity category, while former presidents Priya Raj Regmi and Bharat Rana Bhatta, along with Rajkumar Timalsina, are contesting in the associate category. The election, led by Anjan Shrestha’s panel, has generated considerable interest within the business community.
Heavy snowfall halts air services in Humla for three days
Flights at Simkot Airport in Humla have been suspended since Tuesday due to continuous rainfall and heavy snowfall. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), poor visibility forced the cancellation of Nepal Airlines flights, leaving passengers stranded on the Simkot–Nepalgunj route. Services are unlikely to resume before April 13 if weather conditions persist.
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