KARACHI: Ports and shipping experts have raised alarms over the inadequate safety and security systems at Pakistan’s ports, highlighting the urgent need to address maritime safety, environmental protection, law enforcement, and national defence. Their concerns were amplified following a fire at Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBTL) at Port Qasim, caused by the discharge of combustible Tanzanian-origin coal. While the fire was swiftly controlled without injuries, the incident has triggered calls for stronger safety protocols. Experts revealed that prolonged delays due to such mishaps could result in millions of dollars…
Read MoreMonth: November 2024
Sindh Opposes Private Gas Sale Framework: Warns of Rs243 Billion Consumer Burden
ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government has firmly opposed a proposed framework allowing gas exploration companies to sell 35% of local gas to private parties, cautioning that this could impose an additional Rs243 billion burden on residential consumers over the next five years. During the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh representatives argued that the decision would prioritize private parties over domestic consumers, violating constitutional provisions. They contended that the Council of Common Interest’s (CCI) directive to meet overall demand before…
Read MoreOPEC+ production cuts may support oil prices in near term, Goldman Sachs says
Crude production from Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Russia has declined in compliance with OPEC+ production cuts, supporting a modest near term upside to Brent prices, Goldman Sachs said. Saudi Arabia is more likely to extend oil production cuts because of the recent price drop and we now think that oil production cuts will last until April 2025 instead of January, the investment bank said in a note dated Tuesday. Goldman Sachs maintained its average Brent price forecast for 2025 at $76 per barrel. OPEC+, which includes members of the OPEC and…
Read MorePPL records significant boost in hydrocarbon production
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has registered a notable increase in hydrocarbon production from its wells located across the country. The exploration and production (E&P) company on Wednesday shared the details of its production enhancement registered during the period between April 2024 and November 2024 via notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). “The company is pleased to announce its contribution towards Pakistan’s energy outlook and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the country’s energy security by prioritizing the maximization of domestic hydrocarbon production,” read the statement. PPL shared that with many…
Read MoreOil slips after surprise build in U.S. gasoline stocks
Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday as a large, surprise build in U.S. gasoline stocks outweighed easing supply concerns from a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah. Brent crude futures fell 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $723.69 a barrel by 10:40 a.m. ET (1540 GMT) and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude eased 15 cents, or 0.2%, to $68.64. U.S. gasoline stocks rose by 3.3 million barrels in the week to 212.2 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 46,000-barrel draw.?…
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