OGRA Enforces New Safety and Branding Standards for Oil Tankers

OGRA

KARACHI: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has mandated that oil marketing companies (OMCs) strictly comply with updated safety and branding standards for tank lorries transporting petroleum products throughout Pakistan. In a circular, OGRA outlined specific safety, color, and branding guidelines, requiring tank lorries to display the OMC’s designated color scheme, logo, and brand, and to be equipped with tracker devices for enhanced monitoring. The directive follows OGRA’s observation that some OMCs were not fully adhering to branding protocols, which are essential for ensuring uniformity and physical reporting compliance.…

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Pakistan to Establish 10,000 EV Charging Stations by 2030 in Push for Sustainable Transport

electric-vehicles

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain announced Pakistan’s plan to set up 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide by 2030. This initiative aims to reduce fuel imports, lower carbon emissions, and support eco-friendly transportation. Speaking at an exhibition by the Engineering Development Board (EDB), Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s shift to EVs, sharing that 31 companies have shown interest in the sector, with two already licensed to manufacture electric vehicles. He revealed that the second EV policy, expected by November 30, will enhance the framework set by…

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Sharif Announces 100MW Power Boost and Rs1 Billion Student Fund for Gilgit-Baltistan

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GILGIT: During a visit to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an immediate power supply of 100 megawatts for the region and the establishment of a Rs1 billion merit-based endowment fund for students at Baltistan University and Karakoram University. In a special meeting with the GB cabinet, the Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over the timely completion of the Bubar Model Village, developed to house those affected by the 2022 floods. He instructed the GB administration to prioritize educational institutions, playgrounds, and essential infrastructure in Ghizer district. Shehbaz Sharif…

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Discos Request 48 Paisa Increase to Recover Rs8.7 Billion from Consumers for Q1

Power-sector

ISLAMABAD: Power Distribution Companies (Discos) have filed a petition with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) seeking a positive adjustment of 48 paisa per unit to recover Rs8.718 billion from consumers for the first quarter (July-September) of FY2024-25 under the Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA) mechanism. The petition, filed by the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guaranteed (CPPA-G), details that Rs8.065 billion of the adjustment is attributed to capacity charges for power generation plants. Discos, including IESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, PESCO, and others, have submitted specific adjustment requests based on their operational…

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Government’s ‘Winter Package’ for Power Consumption Stalls Amid IMF Approval Uncertainty

pak-imf

ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s proposed ‘Winter Package 2024,’ aimed at boosting electricity consumption during winter, remains uncertain as conflicting reports emerge regarding International Monetary Fund (IMF) approval. The package seeks to lower electricity rates by Rs 7-8 per unit nationwide for five months, from December 2024 to April 2025, in an effort to increase domestic demand and reduce capacity charges. Officials disclosed that the IMF has yet to fully approve the plan, despite a recent meeting where the government presented data on projected consumption increases and economic impacts. While one…

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