Hedge funds and algorithmic trading have significantly amplified market instability, capitalizing on fear to drive speculative trades. It resulted in artificial price spikes, disconnecting it from fundamental supply and demand dynamics. Physical buyers have faced liquidity crises. Unregulated trading platforms exacerbated market instability by facilitating unchecked speculation. Speculative trading volumes far exceed actual consumption, artificially inflating TTF prices, decoupling from fundamentals, and disrupting global pricing benchmarks including Asian LNG Market. The LNG industry’s “use it or lose it” model is driven by need for continuous operations to justify its high…
Read MoreDay: January 2, 2025
Senate Panel Briefed: Talks with 16 IPPs Nearing Conclusion, Farmers Demand Lower Tariffs
ISLAMABAD: Negotiations with 16 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are expected to conclude by the end of January, following the termination of contracts with five IPPs, a senior Power Division official informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Wednesday. The termination of these agreements is projected to save Rs440 billion annually, with further benefits anticipated from ongoing discussions. A task force has also been established to minimize power generation costs. During the meeting chaired by Senator Syed Hussain Tariq, Kissan Ittehad President Khalid Mehmood Khokhar raised…
Read MoreGovernment to Establish ‘Minerals Division’ for National Development
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to establish a dedicated Minerals Division to accelerate the development of the country’s mineral sector, informed sources revealed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed an Inter-Provincial Committee (IPC) to oversee this initiative. Chaired by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, the committee includes Federal Minister for Investment Bilal Azhar Kayani, secretaries from various ministries, representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and private-sector mineral experts. The committee will draft comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the proposed Minerals Division, detailing…
Read MoreNepra Questions Feasibility of Gepco’s Rs100bn Investment Plan Amid Privatization Drive
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has raised concerns over the Gujranwala Electric Power Company’s (Gepco) ambitious Rs100 billion five-year investment plan, citing potential financial burdens on consumers and doubts about its feasibility. The investment plan, spanning FY2025-26 to FY2029-30, was discussed during a public hearing chaired by the Nepra chairman. The hearing comes as the government moves to privatize three major power distribution companies — Gepco, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) — by year-end. Nepra criticized Gepco’s financial stability, highlighting rising…
Read MoreGas Theft in KP Reduced by 64% in FY24
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern region witnessed a significant reduction in gas theft and line losses, which dropped from Rs8.8 billion in FY20 to Rs3.17 billion in FY24. However, approximately Rs8.684 million worth of natural gas continues to be stolen daily in the districts of Karak, Hangu, and Shakardara, resulting in monthly losses of Rs264.66 million. The consistent decline in losses is attributed to rehabilitation initiatives by federal and provincial governments. Over the years, transmission and distribution losses have steadily decreased: FY20: 16,164 MMCF lost (Rs8.8 billion).FY21: 10,079 MMCF lost (Rs6…
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