Discos Seek Rs8.5bn Refund for September Fuel Overcharges

Fuel-Overcharges

ISLAMABAD: Public sector power distribution companies (Discos) have requested a refund of approximately Rs8.5 billion, proposing a 70-paise per unit negative fuel cost adjustment (FCA) in upcoming bills for electricity consumed in September. This marks the third consecutive month of negative FCAs, largely attributed to increased fuel allowances following a 20% rise in base tariffs, effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025, as approved by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a petition, citing a reference fuel cost of…

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Nepra Grants 14% Dollar-Based Return to K-Electric in Divisive Decision

NEPRA-KE

ISLAMABAD: In a split decision, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a 14% dollar-indexed return on equity (ROE) for K-Electric (KE) generation plants under a multi-year tariff extending to 2030. This decision, which faced strong opposition from Nepra’s member tariff, is tied to KE’s power plants operating on fuels like high-speed diesel (HSD) and liquefied natural gas (RLNG). While the majority of Nepra supported KE’s request, member Mathar Niaz Rana criticized the decision as “excessive and unfair,” citing concerns over high costs and limited energy contribution. Rana…

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India Set to Launch Coal Exchange to Stabilize Prices and Improve Supply

Coal-Russia

NEW DELHI: India is preparing to launch a coal exchange aimed at stabilizing coal prices and enhancing the fuel’s availability, according to Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy. Speaking at an industry event on Monday, the minister revealed that discussions on establishing the exchange took place last week, though the exact launch date was not disclosed.

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Pakistan’s Urban Population to Reach 40% by 2030: ADB Report

Urban-Population

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s urban population is projected to soar to 99 million, or 40% of the total population, by 2030, intensifying existing challenges in urban infrastructure and services, according to Emma Fan, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Pakistan. Speaking at the launch of the National Urban Assessment of Pakistan, Fan highlighted the growing strain on cities, especially provincial capitals, which host a disproportionate share of the urban population. The ADB-backed projects, including PICIIP, KPCIP, and DREAMS, aim to improve urban service delivery, focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure and…

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Refinery Upgrade Plans Face Delays as Agreement Deadline Approaches

FBR-Tex

ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s ambitious plan to upgrade domestic refineries has hit a significant roadblock just days before the deadline for finalizing agreements. The issue arises from a sales tax exemption introduced in the 2024-25 national budget by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), causing uncertainty among investors. With $6 billion in investment at stake, the Petroleum Division is considering requesting an extension from the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) to complete agreements with five local refineries. A crucial meeting between refinery representatives, petroleum and finance officials, and the FBR…

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