Banks and financial institutions in Nepal will now follow a two-day weekend. The central bank has introduced this change to match the government’s new policy.
The new system will start from April 6.
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📢 What Is the New Rule?
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has made it clear:
- Banks will close on Saturdays and Sundays
- The rule applies to all licensed financial institutions
- It also includes infrastructure banks and clearing services
This brings the banking sector in line with public offices.
🕘 New Working Hours
Banks will now operate on a fixed weekday schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter months: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
These hours aim to keep services smooth and consistent.
⛽ Why This Change?
The decision is linked to the ongoing fuel issue.
Main reasons include:
- Fuel supply disruptions
- Need to reduce fuel use
- Better resource management
Fewer working days mean less travel and lower fuel consumption.
🏦 What It Means for Customers
Customers should expect small changes:
- Banks will be open only five days a week
- Weekday branches may be busier
- Planning ahead will be important
👉 Online banking services will continue as usual.
🚀 What Happens Next?
The central bank will watch how this change works in practice.
It may:
- Review customer impact
- Adjust rules if needed
- Ensure smooth banking operations
🌱 Final Thought
This move shows a coordinated effort to deal with the fuel crisis.
With both government offices and banks following the same schedule, Nepal is taking a practical step toward managing resources more efficiently.
