Day: May 21, 2026

Iranian Fuel Smuggling Resurges Amid Regional Tensions, Threatening Local Refineries

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ISLAMABAD: The inflow of smuggled petroleum products from Iran into Pakistan has surged again amid heightened regional tensions, raising serious concerns for local refineries and energy sector stakeholders. Industry sources say the situation has worsened over the past two months, coinciding with disruptions in global energy routes and volatility linked to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. The spike in global oil prices has also increased pressure on Pakistan’s import bill and domestic fuel market. Pakistan’s weekly oil import cost has reportedly jumped from around $300 million to nearly $800…

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Pakistan’s Power Generation Drops 10pc in April as Hydel Output Declines

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Pakistan’s power generation fell 10 per cent year-on-year in April 2026, reaching 9,498 GWh compared to 10,513 GWh in the same month last year, mainly due to a decline in hydel generation. On a monthly basis, however, electricity generation increased by 6 per cent from 8,939 GWh recorded in March 2026. The contraction in annual output was largely driven by a 10 per cent reduction in hydropower generation during the month. Despite the monthly dip in April 2025, overall electricity production during the first ten months of FY26 (July–April) rose…

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UAE’s Strategic Oil Pipeline Bypassing Strait of Hormuz Reaches 50% Completion

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DUBAI: A new crude oil pipeline being developed by the United Arab Emirates to bypass the Strait of Hormuz is now 50 per cent complete, according to ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber. The project, launched last year, is designed to strengthen the UAE’s export resilience by reducing dependence on the strategically sensitive waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies traditionally pass. Speaking at a live-streamed Atlantic Council event, Al Jaber said construction is being accelerated under directives from Abu Dhabi leadership. “Today, it’s already almost…

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Pakistan-China Ties ‘Never Faced an Autumn’ in 75 Years: Ahsan Iqbal

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that Pakistan-China relations have remained consistently strong for the past 75 years, describing the partnership as one that has “never seen a moment of autumn” and continues to deepen on the basis of trust, cooperation and shared objectives. He made these remarks while addressing a cultural event held at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event was jointly organised by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG)…

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Nepra Reviews $53bn Power Plan Amid Tariff Hike Concerns, Lack of Third-Party Validation

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ISLAMABAD: The government has sought approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for the Integrated System Plan (ISP) 2025–35, valued at over USD 53 billion, without third-party validation — triggering concerns over potential electricity tariff increases and criticism from industry stakeholders. The two-day public hearing, chaired by Nepra Chairman Waseem Mukhtar alongside Member (Tariff & Finance) Amina Ahmed and Member (Development) Maqsood Anwar Khan, also saw notable absences of representation from Sindh and Balochistan. Officials from the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) and the Private Power and…

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