Nepal News Evening Economic Brief – February 22, 2026
Summary
Nepal prepares to implement a 10% ethanol blend in petrol to reduce trade deficit and petrol imports. NEPSE index slips over 27 points in trading, while cardamom exports surge significantly and tea exports decline. The country faces a trade deficit of Rs 955 billion in seven months. Revenue targets of Nepalgunj Customs lag behind, and electric vehicle imports have slowed. Lemon wholesale prices surge sharply.
Key Points
- Minister Anil Kumar Sinha announces policy to blend 10% ethanol in petrol to cut import bill by Rs 6 billion annually.
- Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index falls by 27.59 points, all sector indices close negative.
- Cardamom exports through Mechi Customs rise by 59.80%, while tea exports decline by 26.70%.
- Nepal faces a Rs 955 billion trade deficit in first seven months of fiscal year with imports totaling Rs 1,123.48 billion.
