ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rationalised its investment expectations from the Gulf nations under the Special Investment Facilitation Council to $27 billion in five years, as it also hopes to clinch some new deals during the upcoming visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. However, the exact number of agreements and memorandum of understandings that Pakistan hopes to sign during the Chinese…
Read MoreDay: October 3, 2024
Oil gains nearly 4% on supply concerns as Middle East conflict intensifies
HOUSTON: Oil prices strengthened on Thursday on investor concern that a widening Middle East conflict could pose a threat to crude oil flows from the region. Brent crude futures were up $2.82, or 3.82%, at $76.72 a barrel by 11:36 a.m. EDT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $2.85, or 4.07%, to $72.95. Both benchmarks climbed by more than…
Read MoreEnergy Planning Critical for Driving Just Transition Investments in Global South: IRENA Reports
Abu Dhabi, UAE/Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – October 3, 2024:The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has highlighted the crucial role of energy planning in unlocking investment opportunities in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). In new reports commissioned by Brazil’s G20 presidency, IRENA calls for de-risking strategies and leveraging public finance to drive a just and inclusive energy transition in…
Read MoreLocal Refineries Urge Resolution of Key Issues Before Committing to Upgrades
KARACHI: Pakistan’s five local refineries have linked the signing of Upgrade and Escrow Agreements with the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to the resolution of critical issues facing the sector. With the October 22 deadline approaching, the refineries have expressed concerns that unresolved matters are jeopardizing their operations and upgrade plans. In a letter to Ogra, the refineries highlighted…
Read MoreIMF Mission Director: If Pakistan Implements Reforms, This Could Be Its Last IMF Programme
KARACHI: Nathan Porter, Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission for Pakistan, has indicated that the ongoing IMF programme could be Pakistan’s last, provided the country implements the recommended economic reforms in full. In an interview with Voice of America, Porter emphasized that genuine commitment to these reforms could lead to lasting economic stability. Following the IMF’s approval of…
Read MoreProtected Electricity Consumers to Receive Subsidy via E-Vouchers
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (MPA&SS) has announced plans to provide direct subsidies to protected domestic electricity consumers through E-vouchers. According to sources, the Benazir Income Support Fund (BISP) will collaborate with the Power Division to implement the scheme. In a meeting, several key decisions were made: BISP will share PMT-based (Proxy Means Test) data with…
Read MoreExperts Urge Simplified Power Tariff Structure for Consumer Relief
Webinar Highlights Need for Clearer Policies and Public Awareness ISLAMABAD: Experts at a webinar organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to simplify Pakistan’s electric power and tariff structures to ease the burden on consumers. The session highlighted that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and the Ministry of Energy set electricity…
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