KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
Amid the festive slowdown and economic uncertainties, Nepal’s financial and governance landscape is witnessing mixed developments. The NEPSE index dipped slightly due to low trading ahead of Dashain, reflecting investor hesitation, while gold and silver prices also saw modest declines. At the macro level, public debt rose to Rs 2.743 trillion, prompting the government to adopt austerity measures targeting savings of Rs 120 billion, partly by cutting administrative perks like personal aides in Koshi Province.
Infrastructure and investment activities continue, with national priority projects being pushed forward and banks committing to the Dudhkoshi-2 hydropower project. Meanwhile, inefficiencies in customs and fertilizer distribution highlight ongoing governance challenges, even as sectors like agriculture (via rising cardamom exports), remittance (through Hamro Patro), and tourism (with over 52,000 arrivals via Belahiya) show signs of resilience. These trends paint a complex picture of an economy balancing fiscal discipline, logistical hurdles, and sectoral opportunities in the run-up to major national festivals.
NEPSE dips amid low trading ahead of Dashain
On Thursday, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) slipped by 2.35 points to settle at 2,652 as trading volume dropped to Rs 326 million from Rs 412 million the previous day. The downturn is being blamed on the upcoming Dashain festival: buyers are worried shares won’t clear into their Demat accounts in time, while sellers fear delays in receiving payments. Of all traded companies, 107 saw share prices rise, 139 declined, and 5 stayed flat.
Gold and silver prices dip slightly
Precious metals saw a slight decline on Thursday. Hallmark gold dropped by Rs 1,700 per tola, selling at Rs 221,300, down from Rs 223,000 the previous day. Silver prices also fell slightly, continuing the week’s downward trend.
Nepal’s public debt reaches Rs 2.743 trillion
Public debt in Nepal has surpassed Rs 2.743 trillion as of mid-September in the current fiscal year, up from Rs 2.674 trillion at the close of the last fiscal year. Internal debt accounts for Rs 1.281 trillion, while external liabilities stand at Rs 1.461 trillion.
Government aims to save Rs 120 billion through austerity
The Cabinet has approved several measures to tighten public spending by reprioritizing projects and cutting back on unproductive outlays in both capital and recurrent budgets. These reforms are expected to yield savings of about Rs 120 billion, which the government plans to redirect toward national priority sectors and the upcoming elections.
20 projects, including cable cars, listed as national priority
The government has designated 20 initiatives—including six cable car schemes, industrial villages and zones, special economic zones, dry ports, and petroleum pipelines—as national priority projects under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
SEBON employees accuse Finance Ministry of attacking autonomy
Unions representing staff at the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) have accused the Finance Ministry of undermining the board’s independence. In a joint statement, they condemned orders to rescind legally provided employee benefits and to reclaim previously granted amounts, calling the directives illegal, flawed, and impractical.
14 construction companies blacklisted
Under Section 63(1) of the Public Procurement Act of 2006, 14 construction firms have been blacklisted for failing to complete projects on schedule. The Public Procurement Monitoring Office announced this move, with penalties ranging from six months to one year.
Immigration Department to provide services during Dashain holidays
The Department of Immigration has declared that its tourist visa and agency branches will remain open on most Dashain holiday days except Bijaya Dashami (October 3). On working holiday days, these offices will operate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Government sets timetable for fertilizer distribution
To tackle shortages caused by delayed warehouse distribution and mismatches in market supply, the Agriculture and Livestock Development Ministry has introduced a schedule for cooperatives to collect fertilizer. The aim is to streamline supply and make distribution more efficient for farmers.
Vegetable prices surge after highways blocked by landslides
Highways leading into the Kathmandu Valley—specifically through Jawang Khola in Dhading and Tuin Khola in Chitwan—have been blocked by landslides, reducing vegetable supplies in the capital. With daily supply of about 700 tons expected at this time of year, reduced arrivals have driven prices up, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee.
Investors show rising interest in bonds
Although private sector firms are still not issuing many bonds, banks and financial institutions are increasingly using bonds to raise long-term capital and supplement financing. However, despite this interest, the bond trading market has not expanded as expected.
Kathmandu sees large supply of goats and sheep for Dashain
In the run-up to Dashain, Kathmandu’s livestock markets are seeing an influx of goats, rams, sheep, and chyangra from across the country. Sheep and chyangra have arrived from the Himalayan districts of Manang and Mustang, while goats are coming in from various hill and Terai-Madhes districts.
Banks sign agreement to invest in Dudhkoshi 2 hydropower project
Led by Laxmi Sunrise Bank Limited, several banks and financial institutions have agreed to fund the 70 MW Dudhkoshi 2 (Jaleshwor) hydropower project in Solukhumbu. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 15 billion, will see approximately Rs 10.5 billion supplied by banking and financial institutions.
Koshi province spent Rs 35 million on lawmakers’ personal aides
Despite recent government commitments to reduce unnecessary expenses, the Koshi Province spent Rs 37.47 million last fiscal year on personal aides for provincial lawmakers. The Cabinet’s recent announcement to eliminate such aides was made in line with a broader austerity drive. Each aide cost the province around Rs 451,386 annually—making it the highest expenditure of its kind among all provinces.
179 vehicles stuck at Birgunj customs due to clearance delays
A total of 179 four-wheeled vehicles are currently stranded at the integrated check post and dry port under Birgunj Customs Office due to customs clearance issues. Chief Customs Administrator Bishnu Prasad Gyawali said that 75 vehicles are stuck at the check post, while 104 are awaiting clearance at the dry port.
Large cardamom exports surge by nearly 44 percent
Exports of large cardamom through Mechi Customs Office rose by 43.90% in the first two months of fiscal year 2025/26. A total of 522 metric tons worth Rs 859.6 million were exported during the period, compared to Rs 597.3 million during the same time last year.
Authorities seize 154 sacks of subsidized fertilizer in Siraha
A businessman in Siraha was caught hoarding 154 sacks of government-subsidized fertilizer in a warehouse near the Golbazar water tank. The fertilizer, meant for sale only through agricultural cooperatives, was being sold at inflated prices. A joint monitoring team found 96 sacks of DAP, 36 of urea, and 6 of potash.
Bagmati province collects Rs 2.76 billion in revenue in under three months
Bagmati Province has collected Rs 2.76 billion in revenue within the first two to three months of the current fiscal year. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, this figure represents an increase of Rs 106.9 million over the same period last year. Revenue sharing contributed Rs 2.08 billion to the total collection.
Hamro Patro resumes US-Nepal remittance service
The mobile platform Hamro Patro has relaunched its remittance service from the United States under the brand “Hamro Patro Remit.” Nepalis living in the US can now send money quickly and securely to Nepal. To mark Dashain, the platform is offering fee waivers for transfers of $1,000 or more.
Over 52,000 tourists entered Nepal via Belahiya border
More than 52,000 tourists from 94 countries entered Nepal through the Belahiya border point in Rupandehi in the first eight and a half months of 2025. According to the Immigration Office, most tourists came from Sri Lanka, followed by Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, and Vietnam. March saw the highest number of entries, with 20,720 tourists.
Food company begins selling through local municipalities
The Food Management and Trading Company has begun selling food items through municipalities by signing agreements with 101 local governments. Sales have already started in three municipalities. The initiative aims to provide subsidized food products to citizens across the country.
Guras Laghubitta declares 15 percent dividend
Guras Laghubitta has announced a 15% dividend for shareholders. The company will issue 14.25% in bonus shares and 0.25% in cash for tax purposes. The decision was made during a board meeting on September 24 and applies to profits from the last fiscal year.
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