Day: April 8, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday cautioned that the global energy crisis could continue for months even after a ceasefire, citing extensive damage to energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. Addressing parliament, the minister said that while diplomatic efforts may lead to a cessation of hostilities, recovery in the global energy sector would take time. “Even if a ceasefire is achieved, normalisation may take weeks or months as critical energy infrastructure has been targeted,” he stated. Aurangzeb said the government is closely monitoring key indicators, including rising petroleum rates,…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: K-Electric (KE) has approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) seeking adjustments exceeding Rs58 billion under its seven-year Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) for the period FY2017–2023. According to a notice issued by Nepra, a public hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2026, to review the utility’s claims and gather input from the Power Division and consumer representatives. KE has requested an End of Term Adjustment (EoTA) amounting to Rs43.6 billion. The major components include Rs23.4 billion for working capital costs, Rs11.05 billion due to exchange rate impact on return…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are facing severe financial pressure as approximately Rs107 billion in Price Differential Claims (PDCs) remain unsettled, with industry sources pointing to continued delays by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) despite directives from the Ministry of Energy to expedite payments. Sources said an initial claim of around Rs27 billion submitted in mid-March has only been partially cleared, while subsequent claims worth Rs70–80 billion are still pending, pushing total outstanding dues close to Rs107 billion. At the heart of the issue is a lack of…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Pakistan’s transition toward solar energy and broader power sector reforms through financial and technical assistance. The assurance came during a meeting between a visiting ADB delegation, led by Country Director Emma Xiaoqin Fan, and Federal Power Minister Sardar Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari ahead of the bank’s vice president’s expected visit later this month. According to the Power Division, ADB is currently conducting studies on the impact of rooftop solar systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Pakistan.…

Read More

ISLAMABAD: Petrol pump owners and dealers on Tuesday urged the government to immediately revise their commission in line with recent fuel price hikes, warning of a possible nationwide shutdown if their demands are not met. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) and Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) called for increasing their margin to 8% of the invoice price, arguing that the current fixed profit of Rs8 per litre is no longer sufficient to sustain operations amid rising costs. Speaking at a press conference, PPDA Chairman Abdul Sami Khan…

Read More