ISLAMABAD: Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices are projected to rise significantly in the upcoming review on July 16, mainly due to increasing global oil prices. Petrol is expected to increase by over Rs7.60 per litre, while HSD may see a hike of Rs3.50 per litre. Sources report that international market prices for petrol and HSD have risen by approximately…
Read MoreYear: 2024
Economy Boosted by $7 Billion IMF Deal
KARACHI: Pakistan has secured a three-year, $7 billion aid package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), offering much-needed relief to the struggling economy. The Washington-based institution announced the agreement on Saturday morning, stating that the deal, pending approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, aims to enhance macroeconomic stability and foster stronger, more inclusive, and resilient growth. Pakistan’s economy has been…
Read MoreAbid Qaiyum Suleri Appointed as member of Int’l advisory CommitteeOf COP29
Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri has been appointed as member of the prestigious COP29 Azerbaijan International Advisory Committee to assist the chair on the global environmental moot’s negotiation agenda.
Read MoreFBR to Clarify Reasons Behind ‘Two Further Taxes’ on Power Bills Today
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Ministry and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will provide a detailed briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance today, explaining the rationale behind imposing two further taxes on electricity bills. Presided over by Syed Naveed Qamar, the finance committee has requested the FBR to clarify the types of further taxes levied on electricity consumers.…
Read MoreCommerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan Advocates for More Efficient CPPs Over IPPs and KE
ISLAMABAD: Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has championed the efficiency of over 100 Captive Power Plants (CPPs), asserting they outperform Independent Power Plants (IPPs) and K-Electric (KE) plants. He has urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Petroleum Division to establish audit criteria for the energy efficiency of captive plants in the export sectors based on global standards. Additionally, he…
Read MorePower Division Ready to Annul IPP Agreements if Directed by NA Panel
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has assured the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power that it is prepared to terminate agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) if the committee recommends such action. This statement came just before a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Power, which is primarily focused on IPPs. The Senate committee’s chairman believes that the coexistence of…
Read MoreNEPRA Approves Government’s Uniform Tariff Hike for Discos and KE
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved the federal government’s proposed uniform Schedule of Tariffs (SoTs) for distribution companies (Discos) and K-Electric (KE), leading to a uniform base tariff increase of up to Rs7.12 per unit. This adjustment raises the tariff from Rs29.78 per unit in FY 2023-24 to Rs35.50 per unit for 2024-25, aligning with the…
Read MoreFinance Minister Aurangzeb Optimistic About Securing $6bn IMF Deal This Month
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed optimism on Thursday about finalizing a $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within this month, having completed almost all prior actions ahead of time. Additionally, he mentioned reaching an agreement in principle with all provinces over the agricultural income tax. The government plans to request the IMF…
Read MoreA Wake-Up Call: Ensuring LPG Safety Amid Rising Usage
Islamabad, July 11, 2024– In response to Pakistan’s increasing reliance on LPG due to natural gas shortages, bans on new connections, and soaring gas tariffs, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has organised a national seminar on “Safe Use of LPG – ‘Zero’ Fatal Accident.” The event was held at OGRA’s head office in Islamabad to address the need…
Read MoreGOVERNMENT URGED TO LET INDUSTRY BUY POWER FROM GENERATOR
KARACHI: The country’s leading industrial chambers and associations have called for the urgent implementation of the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) regime, which would enable bulk power consumers to purchase electricity directly from generators, bypassing the government. The demand arose during a conference jointly organised on Tuesday by Renewables First and Pakistan Environment Trust, two prominent voices in Pakistan’s…
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