The Power Division has expressed willingness to do away with the role of collection of taxes and surcharges on electricity except General Sales Tax (GST) to avert criticism of consumers due to heavy bills. This intention was conveyed by the Minister for Power, Khurram Dastgir Khan at a meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Power during discussion on a…
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Oil prices may be jacked up slightly
The government is likely to slightly increase prices of petroleum products to collect more revenue from oil consumers in the next fortnight from November 16 to 30, 2022. “Prices of petroleum products may be increased by Rs3 to Rs4 per litre,” an official of the Petroleum Division said. He added that the government was expected to adjust taxes on petroleum…
Read MorePakistan Economy: Trapped Between China and US
On June 20, after multiple rounds of talks failed to produce a deal, crisis-hit Pakistan officially sought Washington’s help to get favorable treatment from the International Monetary Fund for a bailout from the country’s disastrous fiscal situation – at a potential price of tilting away from its relationship with China. The request to the IMF came against the backdrop of…
Read MoreFuel subsidy to cost govt Rs75bn over next fortnight
The prices of petroleum products may increase by up to Rs86 per litre for the next fortnight — with no taxes included — in case the government decides to do away with the subsidy payable to oil companies as price differential claims (PDCs) under IMF conditions. IMF Resident Representative in Islamabad Esther Perez Ruiz said on Friday that an IMF…
Read MoreBig brands call for global pact to cut plastic production
International brands including Coca Cola and PepsiCo called on Monday for a global pact to combat plastic pollution that includes cuts in plastic production, a key growth area for the oil industry. World officials will meet at a United Nations Environment Assembly conference (UNEA 5.2) later this year to start negotiations on a treaty to tackle a plastic waste crisis…
Read MorePlanning Commission Wants to Ban NHA From New Projects
Due to delay in execution, slow progress on projects, and cost overrun, the Planning Commission has recommended barring the National Highway Authority (NHA) from submitting new projects and has directed it to bring its business plan as its throw forward has reached Rs. 907 billion. The current pace of approving new projects of the National Highway Authority is not sustainable,…
Read MoreDomestic gas consumers: There will be no supply of LNG on ‘lower’ rates: Hammad
Federal Energy Minister Hammad Azhar said on Friday that the government would not supply imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to domestic gas consumers on lower rates. Addressing a news conference, the minister said that 10 to 11 cargos of LNG were tenders to meet the demand, but since the LNG prices had gone up on the international market the imported…
Read MoreIndustry’s gas woes
BONA FIDE textile and clothing exporters have started suffering production losses as the row between the industry and energy ministry over the complete suspension of gas supplies for captive power continues. While the ministry’s action may not leave as extensive an impact on the industry’s overseas shipments during winter as is being maintained by APTMA, it has already compelled many…
Read MoreIslamabad’s Air Pollution Reaches Record Highest
Federal capital’s air pollution reaches record highest, reveals the 24 hours ambient air quality report of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA)’s on Wednesday. According to the report, increased ratio of environmental pollutants causing bad air and degraded atmosphere leading to smog. The National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) by EPA set a threshold of 35 microgrammes per cubic meter for particulate…
Read MoreAll set for inking $1.5bn loan agreements with ADB
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will sign six financing loan agreements worth $1.535 billion on Wednesday (today), it is learnt. Official sources revealed to Business Recorder that Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub Khan will witness the loan-signing ceremony. Documents revealed that the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and the ADB will sign loan agreement worth $600 million for…
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