Pakistan Moves to Build 90-Day Strategic Petroleum Reserves Amid Rising Supply Risks

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated plans to establish Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) aimed at securing up to 90 days of fuel coverage, as policymakers respond to growing concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes against the backdrop of renewed geopolitical instability involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has heightened fears of volatility in global energy markets. Officials view the situation as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum and its vulnerability to external shocks. Under the proposed…

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Power Circular Debt Rises by Rs224 Billion in 8 Months, Reaches Rs1.84 Trillion by February

Circular-Debt

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s power sector circular debt increased by Rs224 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, reaching Rs1.837 trillion by February 2026, up from Rs1.614 trillion in June 2025. According to the Power Division, the rise is largely attributed to seasonal and timing-related factors. The debt stock, however, showed slight improvement in March, easing to Rs1.798 trillion, indicating short-term stabilization. On a year-on-year basis, the situation has improved significantly. The circular debt has declined by Rs693 billion from its peak of Rs2.531 trillion recorded in February…

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China’s Wasion Wins $16.8 Million Smart Metering Project in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: Wasion Holdings Limited has secured smart metering contracts in Pakistan worth over RMB115 million (approximately $16.85 million), marking a significant step in the country’s push to modernise its power distribution infrastructure. In a company statement, Wasion said its subsidiary, Wasion Group Limited, successfully won multiple bids in April 2026 for the supply of smart metering products and related services. The company highlighted that the contracts reflect its strong technical capabilities in integrated energy solutions and its growing footprint in international markets, particularly in South Asia. It added that its…

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NEPRA Introduces Grid Connectivity Rules to Strengthen Power System Safety and Reliability

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ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has notified a new set of regulations aimed at enhancing technical discipline, operational safety, and reliability across Pakistan’s power system. Issued through SRO 936(I)/2026, the “Technical Standards for Grid Connectivity Regulations, 2026” have come into immediate effect under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997. The rules apply to all grid-connected generation companies, excluding distributed generators. Structured Grid Connection Process Under the new framework, power generation companies seeking connection to the national grid must follow a formal…

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NEPRA Unveils “Concurrence Regulations 2026” to Tighten Oversight of Power Projects

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ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has introduced the “Concurrence Regulations 2026”, establishing a comprehensive framework to regulate and streamline approvals for new power generation projects across Pakistan. Issued through SRO 692(I)/2026 under the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, the regulations have come into immediate effect. They introduce a mandatory requirement for prior regulatory concurrence before any generation project can proceed, strengthening oversight and aligning investments with national energy needs. However, the new rules do not apply to prosumers operating under the…

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