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KARACHI: Pakistan has maintained relative stability in fuel pricing despite a sharp global oil shock triggered by geopolitical tensions, according to a report released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The report highlights unprecedented volatility in global petroleum markets during March and early April 2026, with diesel prices witnessing an extraordinary surge. International diesel rates climbed from around $88 per barrel in late February to approximately $238 per barrel by early April — a cumulative increase of over 170%. Petrol prices also showed sharp fluctuations, rising from about $74…

KARACHI: Pakistan’s equity market has emerged as one of the weakest globally in early 2026, weighed down by rising inflation and intensifying geopolitical tensions, according to a report by Topline Securities Ltd. Data showed that the benchmark KSE-100 Index posted a negative return of 14.6% in US dollar terms during 3QFY26, placing Pakistan among the bottom three performing markets worldwide. Other regional markets also struggled, with India and Indonesia recording even steeper declines of 19.4% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, frontier markets such as Ghana, Oman, and Nigeria led global…

KARACHI: A sharp surge in fuel prices has sparked serious concern across Pakistan’s business community, with industry leaders warning of rising production costs, declining export competitiveness, and potential economic disruption. Amid escalating global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry have urged the government to declare an economic emergency and temporarily suspend the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) to provide immediate relief to businesses and consumers. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh cautioned that the textile and manufacturing sectors…

ISLAMABAD: As part of efforts to curb rising electricity costs, the federal government is considering limiting commercial activities to daytime hours, alongside other energy conservation measures. The move comes amid growing concerns over increasing power tariffs driven by expensive fuel sources. Power Minister Awais Leghari stated that consultations are underway with provincial governments to revise market timings and implement strategies aimed at reducing electricity consumption. He emphasized that under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, the government is committed to shielding consumers from escalating power prices. Highlighting the impact of the…