Restrictions came as a boon not only for people but also operators, who witnessed a huge uptick in users.

Nepal imports almost all of its onions from the southern neighbour.

Palung potato, the most sought after variety, costs Rs110 per kg, up from Rs90 two weeks ago.

The growth may decline further if the Covid-19 containment period prolongs with periodic lockdowns in major hotspots and consequent restrictions on economic activities through this fiscal year.

Entrepreneurs have no income, but government taxes and bank interest payments are piling up, they say.

Promoters of private hydropower projects warn that delays by the power utility in executing the power line project would cause more electricity spillage from hydel plants operating in the area and incur losses amounting to millions of rupees.

Sales have been down for months and if this continues, thousands could lose their jobs and many nurseries will shut down, operators say.

Consumer rights activists say speed of internet is not as service providers had advertised and the telecom authority should be more vigilant.

Traders say that prices will not go down in the short run with festivals around the corner.

A rising number of men have found wage work over the past decade, but women continue to face limited earning opportunities.

The Covid-19 Crisis Management Committee will discuss the proposals aimed at revitalising the economy before sending them to the cabinet for approval, officials said.

Winning bidder Zurich Airport was named concessionaire to develop the $3.45 billion airport in Bara.

Indian investors say they are facing troubles sending dividends and service-related payments from Nepal to India due to the lack of effective coordination between Nepal’s different agencies.

The pandemic has wiped out small businesses which are the backbone of the country’s economy.

Current policy makes foreigners pay higher fares than locals for the same flight and Nepali carriers are not willing to change it and lose the extra revenue.

Government data show a downward spiral, and with uncertainties caused by Covid-19, economists say the country will hugely struggle to escape a negative growth this fiscal year.

They are involved in sectors such as tourism, food service, agriculture and manufacturing enterprises that require daily transactions to stay afloat.

Despite price per tola at nearly six-figure mark, demand among investors rose and banks sold 105 kg in just one week after lockdown was lifted in July.

The purpose of the platform is to establish a cyber security community to detect and prevent cyber attacks.

Carriers violating the rule have to pay the hotel quarantine charges of all passengers, according to a cabinet decision.