Dilip Paudel

With revenue collection remaining weak, the growing reliance on loans has pushed the country’s public debt burden to nearly Rs 2.875 trillion. In the past eight months alone, the debt has increased by nearly Rs 200 billion.

Data from Nepal Rastra Bank show that money spent by Nepalis abroad far exceeds revenue from foreign tourists visiting Nepal.

Half-filled cylinder distribution begins today

Held on March 5, the election saw the government and candidates spend billions of rupees, giving a short-term boost to economic activity.

The NC plans to ramp up private sector participation across all industries and has set an ambitious target of expanding the economy to Rs 11.5 trillion while boosting per capita income to 2,500 US dollars over the next five years.

As part of the initiative, the MoALD has allocated Rs 330 million for building irrigation infrastructure, a key requirement for Chaite rice farming. Officials estimate that the program could add as much as 1.2 million metric tons to national rice output.

The U.S. market accounts for the largest share of exports. According to the Customs Department, carpet exports reached Rs 5.69 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year, with Rs 3.11 billion going to the U.S., indicating strong demand for Nepali carpets there.

Nepal’s annual trade deficit now stands at around Rs 1525 billion, with the country recording trade deficits with more than 100 nations.

The project is estimated to cost nearly Rs 400 billion. Its base cost stands at USD 2.77 billion, around Rs 374 billion. Under the approved plan, 70 percent of the funding will come from loans and 30 percent from equity. Of the equity portion, the government will hold an 80 percent stake, while the...

Although plans to blend ethanol into petroleum products were made over two decades ago, they had not been implemented until now. If ethanol is blended into petrol, it is estimated that around seven million liters of petrol imports could be reduced.