Kathmandu – Nepal’s foreign exchange reserves have reached NPR 2.569 trillion (NPR 2,569.38 billion) in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2081/82, according to data released by Nepal Rastra Bank. This marks a 25.9% increase (NPR 528.28 billion) compared to the end of Ashadh 2081, when reserves stood at NPR 2.041 trillion.

In terms of US dollars, reserves rose by 22.2%, reaching USD 18.65 billion by the end of Jestha. In comparison, the reserves were USD 15.27 billion at the end of Ashadh 2081. The share of reserves held by Nepal Rastra Bank increased by 23%, totaling NPR 2.274 trillion, up from NPR 1.848 trillion during the same period last year.

Similarly, foreign exchange reserves held by banks and financial institutions rose by 53.2%, from NPR 192.55 billion in Ashadh 2081 to NPR 294.92 billion in Jestha 2082. As of the end of Jestha, Indian currency accounted for 20.5% of the total foreign exchange reserves.

Based on the import data of the first 11 months of FY 2081/82, the current reserves are sufficient to cover 17.6 months of goods imports and 14.7 months of combined goods and services imports.

As of Jestha 2082, the foreign exchange reserves were equivalent to 42% of GDP, 122.9% of total imports, and 34.1% of broad money supply. In comparison, at the end of Ashadh 2081, these ratios were 35.8% of GDP, 108.6% of imports, and 29.3% of broad money, respectively.