TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged higher on Monday as the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime added new geopolitical uncertainty to the Middle East. However, gains were tempered by concerns over weakening global demand and a soft economic outlook for 2025. Brent crude futures rose by 36 cents, or 0.51%, to $71.48 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI)…
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DOHA: Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, expressed confidence in Qatar’s ability to handle competition following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to lift caps on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Kaabi, also the CEO of state-owned QatarEnergy, highlighted that U.S. LNG projects are driven by private enterprises that assess commercial viability. “Even if the U.S. plans…
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ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has requested the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to amend licensing regulations for power distribution companies (Discos) to facilitate private sector participation (PSP) in their operations. The proposed changes aim to align Discos’ licenses with the evolving regulatory framework and federal government policies. Key amendments include allowing electric power suppliers to sell electricity to others…
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ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has begun implementing the Winter Facilitation Package announced by Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif. Chief Executive Muhammad Naeem Jan confirmed that relief is being provided in December 2024 electricity bills as per the Ministry of Energy’s directives. The package offers significant relief across consumer categories: Residential Consumers: Discounts ranging from Rs 11.42 to Rs…
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East grew by 10.87% to $4.781 billion during the first four months of FY2024-25, up from $4.312 billion in the same period last year, primarily driven by increased petroleum imports. State Bank of Pakistan data highlights the mounting trade imbalance as a key concern for policymakers. Petroleum imports surged due to higher consumption,…
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The World Population Review has released its latest report on mobile and broadband internet speeds, highlighting Pakistan’s low global ranking. According to the report, Pakistan fails to make it into the top 100 countries, ranking 198th among 224 nations. The report identifies the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the global leader in mobile internet speed, boasting an average download speed…
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KARACHI (Dec 8): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met with a high-level Italian delegation led by Mr. Francesco Maria Talò, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Defence, along with Ambassador E. Marilina Armellin and other key diplomats to discuss strengthening ties in trade, education, culture, and other areas. This meeting represents a significant step towards enhancing collaboration between…
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NEW YORK: Oil prices fell by more than 1% on Friday and cemented weekly losses as analysts projected a supply surplus next year on weak demand despite an OPEC+ decision to delay output hikes and extend deep production cuts to the end of 2026. Brent crude futures settled at $71.12 a barrel, shedding 97 cents, or 1.4%. US West Texas…
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Karachi – The National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH), in collaboration with the Fire Protection Industry of Pakistan (FPIP), is all set to host the 14th Annual Fire, Safety & Security Convention on December 12th, 2024 at the Movenpick Hotel, Karachi. The highly anticipated event aims to raise awareness about fire safety practices, celebrate excellence in the industry, and…
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ISLAMABAD: The National Power Parks Management Company (Private) Limited (NPPMCL) has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to expedite the remittance of $4.7 million to General Electric (GE) for Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) tied to the operation and maintenance of two RLNG-based power plants. In a letter addressed to the SBP Governor, NPPMCL CEO Akram Kamal emphasized the critical…
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