ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging China’s continued support for Pakistan, on Thursday underscored the importance of timely implementation of the next phase of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier made these remarks during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). He expressed appreciation for China’s generous support, particularly under the CPEC framework. PM Shehbaz…
Read MoreCategory: Latest News
Business Community Warns Against Curtailing Nepra’s Autonomy
KARACHI: The business community has voiced serious concerns over proposed amendments to the Nepra Act, 1997, and the Electricity Act, 1910, warning that the changes could erode the autonomy of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) by placing it under the administrative control of the Power Division. Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Acting President Muhammad Raza strongly opposed the proposed amendments, saying they strike at the very foundation of regulatory independence — a principle widely recognised as essential for transparency, predictability and credibility in utility regulation. He…
Read MoreOil Industry Protests Delay in Margin Increase, Seeks Recovery of Digitisation Costs
ISLAMABAD: The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has raised serious concerns over the regulator’s failure to implement the government-approved increase in oil marketing companies’ (OMCs) margins and the lack of a clear mechanism for full recovery of investments made in digitisation. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), OCAC highlighted the absence of a notification for the 50 per cent increase in OMC margins on motor spirit (MS) and high-speed diesel (HSD), which was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). According…
Read MoreGas Supply Increased to 746mmcfd Amid Rising Winter Demand
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday directed gas utilities to take immediate measures to ease supply pressures on domestic consumers as harsh winter conditions triggered a sharp rise in gas demand across the country. Chairing a meeting with senior officials of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the minister took notice of complaints from households facing gas shortages during peak winter hours. According to an official statement, he emphasized that providing relief to…
Read MorePetrol, Diesel Prices Kept Unchanged; Petroleum Levy Increased
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday announced that prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) will remain unchanged for the next fortnight, while increasing the petroleum levy on both fuels. According to a press release issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol will stay at Rs253.17 per litre, while HSD will continue to sell at Rs257.08 per litre for the fortnight beginning January 16. However, the government raised the petroleum levy by Rs4.65 per litre on petrol and 80 paisa per litre on diesel. With this adjustment, the…
Read More