ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund has turned down Pakistan’s request to freeze the 15 per cent additional gas levy on captive power plants (CPPs) and to grant exemptions to efficient industrial units, dealing a setback to the government’s efforts to ease pressure on industry. During ongoing review talks, the government proposed maintaining the current levy rate and excluding industries that undergo gas efficiency audits. However, the IMF rejected both proposals, insisting that the levy should remain a key policy tool to discourage industries from generating in-house electricity using gas. The…
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Global LNG Demand to Surge Up to 68% by 2040, Says Shell
LONDON: Shell plc has projected a sharp rise in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand, forecasting an increase of 54 to 68 per cent by 2040 and up to 85 per cent by 2050, driven largely by growing energy needs in Asia. According to the company, global LNG demand is expected to climb from 422 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2025 to between 650 mtpa and 710 mtpa by 2040. Extending its outlook further, Shell estimates demand could reach between 610 mtpa and 780 mtpa by 2050. The energy…
Read MoreIEA Signals Readiness for Further Oil Stock Releases Amid Hormuz Disruption
PARIS: International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol on Monday indicated that additional strategic oil reserves could be released if needed to stabilise global markets amid severe supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz. In a video statement, Birol said that combined government and industry-held emergency reserves still exceed 1.4 billion barrels, providing room for further intervention if the situation worsens. However, he cautioned that such releases can only serve as a temporary buffer against the sharp supply shock. “The most critical factor for restoring stability…
Read MoreFuel Supplies Secure for March, Stocks to Last Until Mid-April: Govt Assures Stability
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has fully secured its fuel requirements for March, with sufficient stocks and supply arrangements in place to ensure availability until mid-April, a high-level committee reviewing petroleum prices was informed on Monday. The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, was briefed that the country remains “adequately positioned” in terms of fuel availability, with ongoing import planning and logistics supporting continued supply. Efforts are also underway to extend coverage through the end of April amid evolving regional challenges. The meeting, held at the Finance Division, reviewed national inventories of…
Read MoreMiddle East Oil Benchmarks Surge to Record Highs Amid War-Driven Supply Disruptions
Global oil markets have been thrown into turmoil as key Middle Eastern crude benchmarks — Oman and Dubai — surged to record highs following supply disruptions caused by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, raising concerns about market distortions and benchmark reliability. Spot premiums for Dubai crude soared to an unprecedented $56 per barrel on Monday, a dramatic jump from an average of just 90 cents in February, according to data from S&P Global Platts and Reuters. The premium now accounts for nearly one-third of Dubai crude’s total value, with…
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