Category: Popular News

Scorching Heatwave Brings Trading to a Standstill in Rawalpindi Markets deserted, birds perish, and citizens pray for rain amid 47°C temperatures

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Heat-wave

RAWALPINDI – A crippling heatwave swept across Rawalpindi on Sunday, halting commercial activity in wholesale markets, trading centres, grain markets, and bazaars, while tourist spots and public parks remained eerily deserted. From mid-morning until sunset, business slowed to a crawl as temperatures soared between 45°C and 47°C. Shopkeepers, drenched in sweat and seated under fans blowing hot air, waited in vain for customers. The heat kept most residents indoors, with only a trickle of activity occurring after dark. The Citizen Action Council issued an appeal urging residents to place water…

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

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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

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

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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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Govt to Impose Rs77/litre Petroleum Levy on Furnace Oil from July 1 under IMF Agreement

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IMF-Oil

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is poised to levy a Petroleum Levy (PL) of Rs77 per litre (Rs82,077 per metric ton) on furnace oil starting July 1, 2025, as part of amendments to the Petroleum Levy Ordinance, 1961, introduced through the Finance Act 2025-26. This measure aligns with Pakistan’s commitments under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programme. In addition to the PL, a Carbon Levy of Rs2.5 per litre (Rs2,665/MT) will also be imposed on furnace oil in FY2025-26, increasing to Rs5 per litre in FY2026-27. The agreement with…

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