Author: Admin

SIFC Calls for Policy Revamp to Rescue \$6 Billion Refinery Upgrade Projects by September

Admin
SIFC-SSGC

ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has instructed authorities to revise the Brownfield Refinery Policy 2023 by September 31, 2025, aiming to revive stalled refinery upgrade projects worth \$6 billion. The move comes amid a lingering deadlock with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over sales tax exemptions that has rendered the projects economically unviable. According to minutes from the SIFC Executive Committee’s June 18 meeting—released on July 1—the Petroleum Division has been tasked with formally communicating final, non-extendable deadlines for resolving the tax issue. If no resolution is reached,…

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Pakistan Joins Fossil Fuel Treaty, But Faces Scrutiny Over Domestic Energy Contradictions

Admin
Power-Project

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move, Pakistan has become the first South Asian country to formally join the global push for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT)—a bold initiative aiming to end the expansion of oil, gas, and coal production while facilitating a global transition to clean energy through cooperation, financial aid, and technology transfer. Pakistan’s entry into the treaty movement in December 2024, alongside climate-vulnerable nations like Vanuatu, Colombia, and The Bahamas, was hailed as a major shift in global climate diplomacy. With over 120 cities, 3,000 scientists, and 100…

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PAC Report Slams Ogra for Failing to Protect Gas Consumers, Ignoring Company Misconduct

Admin
OGRA

ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has come under fire for failing to protect consumers from malpractice by gas companies, including Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), according to an Audit Report for 2022–23 presented to a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday. The report highlights Ogra’s inability to take punitive action against gas utilities, despite repeated instances of consumer exploitation. Key issues cited include excessive billing, unjustified tampering charges—even after Ogra had previously ruled against them—improper meter installations,…

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Gas and Oil Price Hikes Severely Impact Exports, Warns FPCCI Vice President

Admin
OGRA-GAS

KARACHI: Amaan Pracha, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has warned that the recent surge in gas tariffs and oil prices is severely damaging Pakistan’s export competitiveness and industrial stability. Speaking to the media at the FPCCI, Pracha expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to raise gas prices for industries despite repeated requests from the business community for a reduction. “This move makes Pakistan more expensive compared to regional competitors, discouraging exports instead of promoting them,” he stated. He noted that the…

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NEPRA Reduces Basic Power Tariff by Rs1.15 Per Unit to Ease Consumer Burden

Admin
Power-Tariff

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has announced a reduction of Rs1.15 per unit in the basic electricity tariff, providing much-needed relief to domestic consumers using between 100 to 500 units per month. According to a notification issued by NEPRA and forwarded to the federal government for final approval, the revised national tariff structure sets the maximum rate for domestic consumers at Rs47.69 per unit. The tariff for lifeline consumers—those using up to 50 units monthly—remains unchanged at Rs3.95 per unit, while those consuming 51 to 100 units…

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