Chobhar inland container depot is being built with a Rs1.70 billion loan from the World Bank.

In May 2019, the government had revised the minimum threshold for foreign direct investment from Rs5 million to Rs50 million. However, at that time, the private sector had opposed the move saying that the potential investors might consider the threshold policy a restrictive approach.

More people are taking consultations via digital means due to the stay-at-home orders and the risk of Covid-19 transmission at healthcare facilities.

Most of Nepal's cereal requirement is fulfilled by imports, mainly from India.

Experts blame lack of government inspection for the steep rise in market prices despite sufficient inventories.

The job of squad representing several ministries is to keep the supply lines clear during the prohibitory period aimed to containing rising Covid-19 cases.

With people allowed to buy only essential products online, they have begun to stockpile food products, traders say.

Prices have increased because of transportation difficulties and higher freight charges, traders say.

The government should also revise the definition of essential items as it has become obsolete, ecommerce entrepreneurs said.

The virus caseload has surged in the Tarai plains, the country's industrial heartland. Output is down 50 percent on subdued demand and labour shortage.

The first flush, the most lucrative of four harvests, had almost halved because of the winter drought. But farmers are hopeful that prices will be high this year too like last year.

With no export orders, manufacturers and exporters are facing tough times and have started looking for other sources of income observing the situation.

Essential goods have become costlier in the past few days despite sufficient stocks and regular supply.

Instead of placing restrictions, the government should conduct strict inspections and close border points with India, entrepreneurs say.

Nepal imported Rs164 billion worth of petroleum products in the last fiscal year ended mid-July.