News

KE consumers get Rs7.43 per unit relief

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Tuesday decided to reduce fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for the consumers of K-Electric by Rs7.43 per unit for one month, but increased its base tariff for three months by Rs3.30 per unit to reduce government subsidy. On the other hand, the regulator allowed an increase of about 19 paise per unit for the consumers of ex-Wapda distribution

Lenders, bureaucrats blamed for power crisis

The power sector default now stands at Rs2.5 trillion in addition to Rs2.6tr of circular debt despite over Rs3.4tr of subsidies paid since 2007 and total power sector losses of Rs5.7tr, a direct outcome of bad policies pursued by successive governments on the advice of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and USAID. The poor governance structure controlled by the federal bureaucracy without t

SBP lifts curbs on import of essential items

The State Bank of Pakistan has eased imports of several essential items required as raw material and some basic needs of the exporters. A circular issued by the SBP on Tuesday stated that the central bank had decided to withdraw its instructions with effect from Jan 2, 2023, paving the way for acceptance of requests for import transactions already submitted to the SBP. Earlier, under circula

Pakistan lacks infrastructure to import Russian gas

The import of gas from Russia is still a distant dream for Pakistan despite the two countries’ willingness to play ball. Analysts say the renewed discussion around gas imports from Russia won’t amount to much — at least in the short term — for two reasons. One, lack of infrastructure to handle gas imports; and two, inadequate capacity in the existing pipeline system to transport gas from one po

Oil prices inch higher on China demand optimism

Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday on hopes of a recovery in fuel demand as China continues to ease its Covid-19 restrictions, though gains were capped by recession concerns and restarts at some United States energy plants shut by winter storms. Brent futures for February delivery rose nine cents, or 0.1 per cent, to $84.42 a barrel, by 0406 GMT. US crude advanced 10 cents, or 0.1pc, to $79.6