News

Caretakers ‘oblige’ IMF with 45pc gas price hike

Under pressure to meet the Feb 15 deadline of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the caretaker government on Wednesday allowed another up to 45 per cent increase in the natural gas tariff with effect from Feb 1 to meet revenue requirement of the gas utilities targeted for the current year. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet presid

Equities regain 161 points in volatile trading

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday snapped the post-election losing streak in a volatile session a result the benchmark KSE 100-share index managed to close in the green. Topline Securities Ltd said the benchmark KSE-100 index swung in both directions as investors were still not clear who would form a new government as a result the the index plunged by 1,452.14 points to 59,613.18 in

Car sales surge 81% in Jan

Pakistan’s auto sector has witnessed a promising start to 2024, with car sales for January hitting 10,500 units, marking an 81% increase from December 2023’s 5,816 units. Including non-PAMA (Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association) members, car sales totalled 11,700 units, up 72% month-on-month. Despite a 5% year-on-year decline from January 2023’s 11,100 units, PAMA car sales in the firs

SSGC eyes substitution plan amid depleting reserves

Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) is awaiting the government’s approval signal to create a cost-effective gas import substitution of over $1 billion a year. This strategy involves reutilising closed wells and encouraging exploration firms to discover tight gas. The move comes as imported gas (Liquefied natural gas) has become unaffordable due to massive rupee devaluation in recent times.

Cabinet divided over 69% gas price hike amid IMF warning

Federal cabinet members remained divided on Tuesday over a proposed increase of up to 69% in gas prices, amid warnings that any delay beyond Thursday could cost Pakistan $1.2 billion, the last loan tranche from the International Monetary Fund. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet had to defer approval after supposedly pro-IMF programme cabinet members also spoke against the