AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Access: BeOne Medicines’ Brukinsa access program for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is extended through 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients cumulatively, including Nepal where the program has already reached 300+ patients. Dairy & Agri Finance: Nepal’s agriculture minister says milk payment timelines to dairy farmers will be cut from 8 months to 3 months, with a further push to 25 days by late Bhadra, alongside plans for a Rs 400 million loan and a new processing plant. Consumer Protection: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection fined two firms Rs 5 lakh for consumer fraud—unissued PAN bills and unhygienic food at a hostel, plus overpricing—while summoning other businesses for document checks. FDI & Industry: Nepal received only Rs 3.77 billion in foreign direct investment commitments in the first month of FY 2026/27, down over 84% year-on-year, though the number of projects rose, led by small industries and IT. Energy & Power Reliability: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha links frequent outages to aging infrastructure and says smart meters, substations, and distribution upgrades are accelerating; he also stresses boosting domestic consumption and exports. LPG Supply Watch: Nepal Oil Corporation urges consumers not to stockpile as Kathmandu Valley supply is above average demand, with distribution expected to normalize within days. Market Pulse: NEPSE fell 19.34 points to 2,622.48, with turnover around Rs 5.07 billion. Digital Commerce Rules: Online businesses must register with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection under the Electronic Trade Act/Directive, as enforcement tightens against online fraud. Infrastructure Disputes: Government’s plan for an infrastructure tribunal to speed up court-linked project delays is now before the Supreme Court.

Electricity & Industry Push: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said Nepal should prioritize higher domestic power use and expand electricity exports, pointing to 97.6% access and plans like seasonal tariffs to better use monsoon surplus. Cooking Gas Policy Pressure: In the HoR, lawmakers urged promoting electric cooking stoves as an alternative to LP gas, while MP Mohanlal Acharya flagged a continuing cooking-gas shortage despite government claims. LPG Distribution Eases: Nepal Oil Corporation reported record LPG sales in Kathmandu Valley (52,576 cylinders on Aug 17) and said regular dealer-based distribution is resuming. Parliament Watch: HoR sessions scheduled with ministerial question responses and bills including passport amendments and mediation-related changes. Industrial Security Plan: Government is preparing an Industrial Security Force and declaring industrial areas “peace zones” to protect private investment after major unrest losses. Construction Accountability: Public Procurement Monitoring Office blacklisted seven construction firms for three years for unsatisfactory work. Water & Infrastructure Resilience: Roshi Rural Municipality launched a watershed and water-source conservation programme; Ilam completed a 179-m suspension bridge to cut monsoon detours. Education for Engineering Research: Pokhara University opened PhD programmes in Civil and Electrical/Electronics engineering. E-commerce Registration: Department of Commerce made e-commerce registration mandatory on its portal to curb fraud and substandard goods. NEPSE Moves: Nepal Stock Exchange fell sharply Tuesday, down 19.34 points, with trading worth Rs 1.52 billion.

FDI Shock: Nepal received foreign investment commitments of Rs 3.77 billion for 191 projects in the first month of FY 2026/27, but that’s a steep drop from last year’s Rs 24.10 billion—tourism led with Rs 1.63 billion while ICT topped project count. Power Sector Watch: Nepal Electricity Authority’s net profit fell to Rs 5.04 billion in FY 2082/83 (down from Rs 8.91 billion), with forex and financial costs blamed even as power sales and exports improved. Electricity Policy Push: Energy officials reiterated modernization and faster private participation in power trading and PPAs, as delays and tariff disputes keep drawing criticism. LPG & Consumer Pressure: Gas supply issues continue alongside government moves to resume distribution via dealers/locations and curb hoarding, while the taxpayer incentive drive saw a surge in uploaded bills. Agriculture Support Debate: RSP MP Purushottam Yadav demanded higher paddy minimum support prices and better inputs as fertilizer and irrigation shortages hit farmers. Electric Mobility: Ather Energy plans to expand in Nepal with the Ather 450X Overtones Series, while Ncell and BYD bring IoT SIM connectivity to vehicles. Governance & Accountability: Anti-corruption action filed against 11 over irregularities in Aurahi municipality hand-pump procurement; meanwhile, Nepal’s youth festival ended with an 11-point declaration on digital inclusion and governance. Wildlife Rule From Courts: India’s Supreme Court ordered nationwide elephant-corridor surveys and barred blockades and fireball chasing—an issue that directly affects cross-border wildlife conflict.

Climate Adaptation Gaps: Nepal’s adaptation promise is stalling between Kathmandu and mountain communities, leaving households hit by water shortages, farm losses, and disaster recovery costs. Hydropower & Power Trading: NEA is urged to modernize and sign PPAs faster; IPAN says ~Rs 66 billion investment is stuck without PPAs and pushes for electricity trading rights. Tariff Dispute: Industry leaders demand an immediate fix to the long-pending dedicated vs trunk line tariff dispute that’s hurting industrial planning. Sugar Supply Pressure: A HoR committee meeting on sugar supply was postponed; sugar prices have climbed to Rs 120/kg, with consumers taking the hit. LPG Distribution Reset: Nepal Oil Corporation will shift from special weekend arrangements back to regular dealer-based LPG sales, with a quick response team for urgent needs. Industrial Revival: Government moves to revive Udayapur Cement by renewing limestone extraction licensing and clearing outstanding dues. Electric Mobility Boost: Finance Minister Wagle backs Nepal-made e-scooters after visiting Sipradi Yatri’s Yatri P2 plant. Infrastructure Disruption: A dry landslide blocks the Prithvi Highway in Dhading, causing traffic queues. Agriculture Market Signal: Large cardamom in Taplejung starts at Rs 95,000 per 40kg, lifting farmer expectations. NEA Profit Scrutiny: Kulman Ghising calls for NEA reforms as profits reportedly fall from Rs 12b to about Rs 5b. Mobility Expo: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 draws 180,000+ visitors and 53 new products.

LPG Supply Crunch in Kathmandu Valley: Nepal Oil Corporation and district offices distributed 16,300+ LPG cylinders over the weekend as consumers complained they couldn’t buy from retailers; NOC says regular distribution resumes from Monday through appointed sellers. Gas Dealers Push Back: The Gas Dealers Federation urged the government to route sales through authorized retailers, saying current distribution via industries and sales points is worsening the shortage. Market Supply Policy 2083: The government unveiled a National Supply Policy to curb syndicates, artificial shortages and price hikes, clarifying roles across federal, provincial and local levels and aiming for a more transparent, technology-friendly system. Energy Sector Shift to Market Management: Reporting notes Nepal’s electricity supply capacity has grown, so the focus is now on selling, transmitting and managing surplus—especially as monsoon demand patterns change. Industrial Revival Check: Experts inspected the long-closed Gorkhkali Rubber Industry to assess legal and financial feasibility for reopening. Education-to-Industry Gap: A campus professor said universities can’t produce industry-ready manpower immediately after graduation, calling for tighter university-industry-government coordination. Diaspora Investment Friction: Non-resident Nepalis at an NRNA conference in Guangzhou want simpler, time-bound rules and faster execution to reduce bureaucracy and improve economic security. NEPSE Weak Week: Nepal Stock Exchange fell over the week, with investors cautious and turnover down. Food Supply to Humla via China: After a seven-year gap, subsidised rice resumed to Humla through the Chinese route due to monsoon road constraints. Regulatory Action on Food Ads: Maharashtra FDA issued a show-cause notice to Bollywood actors over a “Vimal Elaichi” advertisement tied to a banned pan masala category. Construction/Infrastructure Watch: Government plans a geological study for landslide-hit western areas to speed rescue, relief and rehabilitation planning.

Electricity Market Shift: Nepal’s energy debate is moving from “can we produce power?” to “how do we manage, transmit and sell it?” as NEA says capacity and PPAs are expanding, while IPPAN pushes for more private players in electricity trading and the government signals parallel regulatory reforms. Private Power Trading Push: Stakeholders argue large-scale trading can’t be run by a single entity and want power trading licences under the existing Electricity Act. Disaster-Resilient Energy: A new proposal urges a 72-hour community energy resilience standard so phones and emergency services stay connected during earthquakes, floods and landslides. LPG Supply in Focus: With cooking gas still tight, NOC will distribute LPG cylinders from seven Kathmandu Valley locations today (11am–5pm), requiring ID checks; the Nepal Chamber of Commerce also warns against damaging claims after Radisson’s gas-stock inspection sparked controversy. Markets & Finance: NEPSE ended the week slightly lower, wiping about Rs7 billion in value, while 20 commercial banks reported near Rs70 billion net profit in FY 2082/83. Mobility & Industry Events: NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026 wraps today with 150,000+ visitors and 53 new vehicle launches; Finance Minister Wagle backs Nepali-made electric scooters. Agriculture Prices: Kalimati set wholesale rates for fruits and vegetables for today. Weather Watch: Monsoon remains active with heavy rain risk in hilly areas, raising landslide and flood concerns.

Energy Policy Push: Nepal’s Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha says regulatory and policy reforms for electricity exports should move in parallel, not step-by-step, to avoid delays in Nepal–India trading and unlock investment. Electricity Market Reform: The ministry is preparing amendments to let the private sector enter electricity trading, while IPPAN argues private firms are ready and should be licensed faster. LPG Supply Relief in Kathmandu: Nepal Oil Corporation will sell cooking gas from seven Kathmandu Valley locations on Sunday (11am–5pm), with ID checks and priority for coupon holders after Saturday’s shortage. Gas Distribution Controls: NOC faced public criticism over mandatory citizenship/identity cards; officials say it’s to stop hoarding and ensure genuine consumers get cylinders. Development Under Scrutiny: Lumbini Development Trust is accused of administrative hurdles and delays, with stakeholders blaming political appointees and management issues. Industry Stress: Udaypur Cement Industry is in crisis, with cement reportedly piling up for months due to bag supply problems linked to payment disputes. Sports & Training Link: Nepal Golf Association signs a cooperation deal with China’s Guangzhou ADAY GOLF to train players and build a golf academy in Nepal. Trade Remedies Watch: A Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute study says Bangladesh uses anti-dumping and other trade tools less than it faces abroad, as India reviews duties affecting regional jute and related goods.

LPG Supply & Distribution: Nepal Oil Corporation started cooking gas distribution from five Kathmandu locations amid shortage, with 10am–6pm sales and tighter checks after public criticism over mandatory citizenship/ID for buyers. Energy Market Reform: The government plans to amend electricity law to let private firms enter electricity trading, while IPPAN pushes for faster approvals, arguing private capacity is ready. Hydropower Finance Pressure: Hydropower developers face delays in IPO and rights issues due to Sebon backlog, risking costly financing and project timelines. Road Infrastructure: The Beni–Jomsom–Korala tri-national corridor has spent over Rs 8.96bn so far, with 65% physical progress and revised cost estimate of Rs 15bn. Food Safety Alarm: Rising reports of unhygienic food and food poisoning are worrying consumers and health workers in cities. Health System Upgrade: Lahan Hospital in Siraha will begin an immediate trauma unit, with CT services to resume after staffing gaps are addressed. Private Sector Budget Push: Confederation of Industries urges outcome-focused implementation of budget provisions for the private sector. Weather Watch: Monsoon conditions bring cloudy skies with moderate rain and possible thunderstorms in several regions. Nepal–India Ties: Independence Day greetings and historical links dominated coverage, reinforcing people-to-people and development cooperation narratives.

LPG Crisis Watch: Nepal’s Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ministry says cooking gas supply is “normal” and urges people not to hoard, warning hoarders will be punished while informants may be rewarded; the ministry also cites higher imports and a temporary inconvenience from demand spikes after full-cylinder distribution. Local Impact: Reports from Bharatpur show families and students forced to queue for days, with some giving up work or studies to find gas. Market Response: Nepal Oil Corporation says it will distribute LPG from five Kathmandu locations on Saturday, coordinating with district offices and gas industrialists. Hydropower Finance: A Sebon backlog is delaying IPO and rights-issue approvals, straining hydropower developers and risking project timelines. Policy & Industry Climate: Law Minister Sobita Gautam urged broad acceptance of the Gen Z political agreement as a “people’s movement,” while FNCCI head Anjan Shrestha warned against making policy and laws in haste. Tech & Telecom: The communications minister ordered telecom agencies to prioritize wider access and better service quality, including effective use of the RTDF. Education Leadership: Prof Dr Bibek Baral appointed Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. Capital Markets: NEPSE slipped 7.37 points to close at 2,643.83.

Tourism & Aviation: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal called tourism the backbone of Nepal’s economy and said intensive work is underway to ensure full, continuous operations at Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airports, with Nijgadh also in focus. Food Retail & Cost Relief: FMTC launched fair price outlets—193 shops across 44 districts—offering Rs 5 per kg/litre discounts on essentials throughout the year. Capital Markets: NEPSE slipped 7.37 points to close at 2,643.83 on Friday; turnover rose to Rs 4.27 billion, with sector moves mostly under 1%. Mining Revenue: Nepal’s mining-related revenue fell to Rs 894.8m in FY 2025/26 from Rs 1.59b the year before, down about 44% (nearly Rs 700m). Energy Infrastructure: Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha stressed that transmission and distribution must grow alongside generation to unlock industrial benefits from electricity. Dairy Supply Chain: DDC, NACCFL, and SKBBL signed an MoU to strengthen milk “pockets,” direct milk purchase, and provide concessional farmer credit. Digital Services: Nepal’s postal service is expanding doorstep delivery of government documents, now live in 76 districts. Cybersecurity: A report says hackers used fully automated AI agents to attack Taiwan government systems, cracking accounts and extracting employee records.

LPG Crackdown & Market Reality: Nepal’s Department of Industry, Commerce and Supplies inspected Hotel Radisson over alleged hidden cylinders, but a department official says the stock and connected cylinders match the hotel’s usual practice—highlighting how LPG shortages and claims are colliding in public. Industrial Cash Recovery: The government says it has recovered over Rs 510 million in long-pending industrial dues, restoring electricity connections for at least one industry while 16 remain disconnected for unpaid bills. EV & Mobility Push: Montra Electric flagged off its first Super Auto export consignment to Nepal (also shipping to Tanzania) and set a Nepal price of NPR 8,64,900, betting on EV policy support and hydropower. Policy for Fair IPOs: Nepal Securities Board set a basis to stop arbitrary IPO premium pricing, using scientific valuation methods and sector criteria to protect small investors. Transport Governance: Ride-hailing riders suspended their protest after inDrive’s written commitment, but the minimum fare dispute remains unresolved amid weak regulation. Parliament Watch: The House failed to reach quorum while trying to advance the Mines and Minerals Bill, renewing questions on discipline. Foreign Policy Talent: Nepal’s Foreign Ministry Summer Fellowship and Internship 2026 concluded, training youth across strategic affairs, development/finance, emerging tech, clean energy and diaspora.

EV & Exports: Montra Electric (Murugappa Group) has started exporting its Super Auto electric three-wheeler to Nepal and Tanzania, with orders across West Africa, citing Nepal’s EV-friendly policies, higher fuel costs and hydropower access. Aviation Infrastructure: A House Finance Committee directive asks the Civil Aviation Authority to expand and better manage immigration and customs premises at the international airport, and to maintain structures so users aren’t hit with extra burdens. Strategic Roads Watch: Parliament scrutiny says the Army-led Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track is only ~48.7% physically complete after nine years, with rising costs blamed on delays. Capital Markets: Nepal Securities Board set a framework to curb arbitrary IPO premium pricing (outside book-building), using scientific valuation methods and sector criteria to protect small investors. LPG Supply Crunch: Nepal Oil Corporation increased LPG imports from India (notably in Shrawan) to ease shortages in western districts, after demand spikes from consumer stockpiling. Power & Industry: Madhes Province transmission lines and substations are being pushed to meet rising electricity demand and support industrial expansion. Agri Tech: Nepal is testing AI systems to detect and deter crop-raiding rhesus macaques, aiming to reduce farmers’ guarding burden. Food Retail: FMTCL opened a food sale outlet in Singha Durbar, prioritizing Nepali products and discount pricing for civil servants and visitors. Education Dropout Alarm: A parliamentary panel flagged a steep decline in schools and students, with nearly 73% dropping out before higher secondary. Parliament Oversight: Multiple committees are set to meet today on airport heritage, fertilizers, water supply plans, and Dalit commission progress.

LPG Supply Push: Nepal’s Industry Minister Gauri Kumari says an online tracking system will be introduced for cooking gas distribution, with details being shared via Google Forms; the Nepal Oil Corporation also expects supply to ease within a week as more cylinders and bullets enter depots. Consumer Relief: FMTC will run fair-price stores at 193 locations across 44 districts from Thursday, offering a Rs 5 per kg/litre discount on daily essentials, including rice, lentils, oil, sugar and local grains. Transport Tech Shift: NAIMA’s mobility dialogue heard plans to make transport fully technology-friendly in five years, reducing reliance on traffic police on roads by using systems to identify violations and automate enforcement. Energy Infrastructure: The 132 kV Dandakhet–Rahughat transmission line in Myagdi is at 89% physical progress, but completion may slip by 4–5 months due to forest tree-felling approvals, geology, disaster risks and local disputes. Hydropower Deal: Voith secured a contract for the 200MW Lapchi Khola hydropower project, adding to its growing Nepal portfolio. Animal Health Law: The National Assembly unanimously passed the proposal for consideration of the Infectious Animal Diseases (Control) Bill, 2083. Banking Recovery Signs: ICRA Nepal reports the banking sector is moving from its worst phase, with risk creation slowing and loan expansion gradually returning to positive growth.

Gas Supply Transparency: Nepal’s Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav says an online gas tracking system is being built, with gas details shared via Google Forms, aiming for clearer distribution and faster supply. Power for Industry: Madhesh Province gets a boost as the energy ministry pushes transmission lines and substations, including progress on the Dhalkebar–Bal ganga 132 KV line, to strengthen electricity reliability for industrial demand. Mobility & Auto Sector: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 opened in Kathmandu at Bhrikutimandap, featuring 53 brands and 40+ new vehicle launches, while officials flagged a new Transport Management Act to improve safety and organisation. Cybercrime Response: Nepal Police plans an Anti-Cyber Scam Centre and integrated command centres as cyber complaints rise, with 20,526 cases recorded in FY 2025/26. Labour Rights: Nepal ratified two ILO instruments on forced labour and labour inspection, strengthening protections and workplace oversight. Agriculture & Rural Industry: Sugarcane farmers in Sarlahi demand an unpaid Rs 35/quintal subsidy from two years ago, while the government’s chhurpi push targets export value and rural dairy-linked jobs. India-Nepal Development Push: India will grant NPR 803 million for eight community projects across education, health and agriculture, including digitalisation at BPKIHS and cold storage in Syangja.

Nepal-India Development Push: India has pledged over NPR 803 million for eight high-impact projects in Nepal, spanning digitalisation of BPKIHS, agriculture collection and livestock centres, and new campus and hospital works across Sunsari, Bhojpur, Dhading, Morang and Dailekh. Telecom Overhaul: Nepal’s MoCIT released a concept paper to replace the old Telecommunications Act, 2053, aiming to modernise governance and service quality for 5G-era needs, with a draft expected in Parliament in FY 2083/84. 5G Roadmap: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority published a draft “Road to 5G” plan targeting 5G nationwide by 2035, with speed benchmarks rising from 20 Mbps by 2027 to 100 Mbps in urban areas by 2030. Mobility Expo Kickoff: NAIMA’s NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 opened in Kathmandu with 53 brands and dozens of new launches, while industry leaders urged stable EV policy, better regulation, and action against counterfeit parts. LPG Supply Pressure: Despite higher LPG imports, consumers still face shortages and queues, with reports pointing to deeper supply-chain and cylinder management issues. Tax Incentive Winners: Nepal’s Inland Revenue Department published winners of the taxpayer incentive gift program, including a bumper winner consumer award. Marketing Awards: Five Nepali agencies won 17 honours at Flame Awards Asia 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting growing strength in Nepal’s advertising and campaign industry.

LPG Supply Shock: Nepal’s cooking gas market is seeing “artificial shortage” despite higher imports, with hoarding and delayed cylinder system changes blamed as officials and industry push for smoother distribution. Automobile & Mobility Push: Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Nepalese Industries leaders backed the NAIMA Mobility Expo, calling mobility a key GDP driver and urging stable policies plus higher capital spending. Transport Policy Update: Department of Transport Management says a revised Transport Management Act and National Transport Policy 2083 will push digital mobility, ride-sharing regulation, EV conversion support, and vehicle import standards. Chhurpi Export Strategy: Government unveiled a five-year plan to scale dog-chew (chhurpi) production and exports by strengthening milk supply, quality, livestock insurance, and disease control. Construction Sector Pressure: Lawmakers warned construction is stalling over bitumen and fuel price hikes, contract and payment delays, and legal hurdles that freeze projects and raise costs. Liquidity Puzzle: Nepal’s banks are awash with excess liquidity while credit growth lags, with remittance inflows cited as a key driver of idle funds. Agri Losses from Wildlife: A study estimates monkeys alone cause about Rs 50 million annual crop losses in mid-hills, hitting maize hardest. Egg Support Price: Egg support prices were raised as demand returns after bird flu subsided, though farmers still struggle to recover costs. HoR Agenda: House of Representatives meeting scheduled to take up a Mine and Minerals Bill proposal and committee discussions on digital economy and other governance issues.