Fuel Crisis Worsens in Balochistan Amid Iran-Israel Tensions Border closures, smuggling clampdown, and global oil volatility deepen local woes

Fuel-Crisis

QUETTA – The fuel crisis in Balochistan has taken a critical turn as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel disrupt the supply of Iranian oil into Pakistan. The smuggling routes through Makran, Rakhshan, and Chagai have been badly affected, leading to the closure of 60–70% of petrol pumps in the province’s border districts, including Turbat, Gwadar, Panjgur, Washuk, Chagai, and Mashkail. The crisis has triggered black market activity, with smuggled petrol being sold at Rs280–300 per litre—significantly above the official rate of Rs254. Additionally, food shortages are emerging in areas…

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Petrol price likely to rise for next 15 days

New prices will be implemented once approved Petroleum prices in Pakistan are expected to rise by up to Rs5.50 per litre for the next 15 days, owing to an increase in global oil prices, sources revealed on Sunday. According to reports, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has completed a working paper based on recent international market trends.The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is expected to send its summary to the federal government today.The final decision will rest with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will approve any changes to…

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Sindh CM Opposes 18% GST on Solar Panels, Allocates Rs25 Billion for Solar Projects

Murad-Ali1

KARACHI – June 14, 2025: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a detailed post-budget press conference, strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed 18% General Sales Tax (GST) on imported solar panels, calling it unjust and counterproductive to the nation’s clean energy goals. Highlighting Sindh’s commitment to renewable energy, the Chief Minister announced a significant allocation of Rs25 billion for solar projects, which will also contribute to climate change mitigation. He acknowledged the rising poverty linked to the stringent IMF fiscal constraints but emphasized that the provincial government is…

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PSO Eyes Rs732bn Receivables as Profit Climbs 14% Despite Market Pressures

PSO-Head

KARACHI: Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has reported a 14% year-on-year rise in profit, reaching Rs15 billion during the first nine months of FY2024–25, despite persistent circular debt challenges and market share pressures. In a corporate briefing held Friday, PSO revealed that total receivables had ballooned to Rs732 billion by the end of March, including Rs325 billion in principal from SNGPL alone. Efforts to recover outstanding dues—especially the Rs200 billion in Late Payment Surcharges—remain a top priority, although a definitive debt resolution plan is still awaited. Since February 2024, SNGPL has…

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Industrial Gas Demand Plunges Amid Price Hike, Raising Surplus LNG and Circular Debt Concerns

Oil-and-Gas

ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division informed the National Assembly that gas consumption by industrial Captive Power Plants (CPPs) has sharply declined—by approximately 80% in the SNGPL network and 43% in SSGCL’s system—primarily due to increased gas tariffs and levies. This reduction, amounting to around 216 MMCFD, is expected to worsen as more CPPs transition to the national grid, raising fears of a growing surplus of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) and further exacerbating the circular debt crisis. In a written reply to MNA Ali Muhammad, Minister of State for Petroleum Ali…

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