Ogra Expresses Strong Displeasure Over Media Reporting of Correspondences with Refineries

OGRA

KARACHI – The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has formally protested against the publication of its communications with the refining sector in print media. In a letter addressed to the country’s five refineries on Thursday, Ogra criticized what it termed as “highly unprofessional” reporting that undermines collaborative efforts. Expressing dismay over the dissemination of news reports related to regulatory…

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India’s Solar Power Growth Slows to Six-Year Low in First Half of 2024

Solar-Power

SINGAPORE – India’s solar power generation expanded at its slowest pace in six years during the first half of 2024, according to analysis of data from the federal grid regulator. The growth in solar electricity production was overshadowed by a stronger reliance on coal to meet escalating power demands. Data from Grid-India revealed that electricity generated from coal increased by…

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Cabinet Panel Approves Winding Up of ENAR Petrotech Services

Cabinet-Panel

ISLAMABAD – The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises has approved the winding up of ENAR Petrotech Services Limited (ESPL). The committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, also decided on restructuring and preparing two power distribution companies, Tesco and Qesco, for privatization. During a meeting at the Finance Division on Thursday, the committee reviewed summaries from…

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Leghari Concedes High Power Tariff in Senate, Promises Reforms

Awais-Leghari

ISLAMABAD – Energy Minister Awais Leghari acknowledged in the Senate on Thursday that electricity prices are currently high but assured that through reforms, the government aims to provide cheaper electricity to consumers within the next 18 months. During the question-answer session, Minister Leghari addressed circulating news about a federal cabinet decision to increase electricity rates. He clarified that the regulator…

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New Electricity Tariffs: How Much Will Your Bill Increase?

Your-Bill

ISLAMABAD – The Power Division has announced the implementation of new electricity tariffs starting from July 2024. Most consumers will see a slight increase in their monthly bills due to the updated tariffs, with the government providing a substantial subsidy of Rs440 billion to mitigate the impact. In a statement, the Power Division detailed that for the 16.8 million (58%)…

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Petroleum Dealers Split Over Strike Amid Government Maneuvers

Over-Strike

ISLAMABAD – The ongoing dispute among petroleum dealers has intensified, with factions within the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) divided over a nationwide strike. The government has hinted at raising dealer commissions to mitigate the impact of turnover tax, while oil marketing companies (OMCs) are seeking a 60% increase in their profit margins. Strike Call and Division Abdul Sami Khan,…

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Major Power Tariff Hike Looms for Consumers

electricity-tariffs

ISLAMABAD – The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has announced a public hearing on July 8 to discuss the proposed increase in electricity tariffs, which could pass an additional Rs700 billion burden onto consumers in the current fiscal year. This increase, set to take effect on July 1, 2024, will see the average national tariff rise by around Rs5.72…

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