Kathmandu, September 20, 2026 — Nepal’s gross foreign exchange (forex) reserves increased 1.2 percent to Rs 3.946 trillion in mid-August 2026 from Rs 3,897.67 billion as of mid-July 2026.
In US dollar terms, gross forex reserves increased 2.1 percent to $25.84 billion from $25.31 billion.
According to the Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation of Nepal published by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the foreign currency reserves are sufficient to cover prospective merchandise imports for 21.8 months and merchandise and services imports for 18.8 months.
The increase in forex reserves was attributed to a rise in the current account surplus and overall balance of payments (BoP) surplus, backed by a substantial increase in remittance inflows. During the review month, remittance inflows surged 21.2 percent to Rs 215.05 billion ($1.40 billion).
The current account remained in surplus at Rs 94.59 billion, compared with a year-on-year surplus of Rs 78.29 billion in the same month last year. Likewise, the BoP surplus increased to Rs 90.34 billion from Rs 89.30 billion.
Despite the favourable BoP position, Nepal’s merchandise trade and net services income remained in deficit. According to the NRB, the country’s trade deficit increased 24.9 percent to Rs 148.74 billion.
City Express Money Transfer’s operating revenue fell 32.1 percent over four years to Rs 561 million in fiscal year 2025/26, although its EBITDA margin improved.
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Nepal Rastra Bank has directed Class A, B and C financial institutions to designate contacts for coordinating cyber fraud cases with police during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath holidays.
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Nepal Rastra Bank has invited international bids to design, produce, supply and deliver 300 million two-rupee coins, with bids due by November 4, 2026.
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Banks have started dispensing new Rs 100 notes through selected ATMs in Nepal ahead of Dashain, with the facility initially available at some locations in the Kathmandu Valley.
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Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Gurup Prasad Paudel said collateral-based lending accounts for about 67% of credit and is discouraging project-based financing, innovation and risk-based lending.
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Nepal Rastra Bank officials and employees contributed Rs 13.9 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for victims of the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.
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Although export earnings increased 61.7 percent to Rs 38.70 billion, the rise in exports was offset by higher imports. During the review period, merchandise imports increased 31 percent to Rs 187.44 billion.
Likewise, net services income remained in deficit at Rs 10.82 billion.