Pakistan’s current account deficit narrowed significantly to $98 million in August, providing some relief to the country’s external account despite continued pressure from higher oil prices and a widening trade deficit. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the current account deficit stood at $98 million in August, compared with $342…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s authorities have identified significant gaps in the existing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pricing mechanism, with officials warning that the current formula is creating market distortions and widening the difference between notified and actual consumer prices. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), where the Oil and…
ISLAMABAD: Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices have increased in Pakistan, adding to the fuel burden on consumers amid continued volatility in international oil markets. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs4.10 per litre, taking the new price to Rs384.34 per litre. The price…
ISLAMABAD: A recent survey has found that 91% of Pakistanis consider doing business in the country difficult, with respondents identifying taxation, limited access to financing, energy costs, regulations and corruption among the major challenges facing businesses. According to the survey conducted by the Institute of Public Opinion Research (IPOR), the complicated tax system emerged as…
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) faced further financial pressure during the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 as government support increased while their overall contribution to the national exchequer declined sharply. According to official data presented before the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), the government provided Rs804 billion in financial support to SOEs between…
The price of kerosene oil in Pakistan has increased by Rs17.35 per litre, pushing its price to Rs324.35 per litre under the latest petroleum price revision. According to the revised rates, kerosene oil has risen from Rs307 to Rs324.35 per litre, increasing the cost for consumers and industries that rely on the petroleum product. The…
The federal government is considering a monthly financial relief package of around Rs2,000 for motorcycle owners as rising petrol prices continue to put pressure on household budgets. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the go-ahead for the proposed relief scheme, which is expected to initially run for three months. Officials said the programme could be…
The federal government has increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel in Pakistan by more than Rs5 per litre, adding to the pressure on consumers and businesses following a series of fuel price increases. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised the prices under…
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has conditionally approved Pakistan’s controversial Integrated System Plan (ISP) 2025, covering the country’s electricity generation and transmission requirements for the 2025–2035 period. The 11-year plan involves an estimated investment of around $58 billion in power generation and transmission infrastructure. However, NEPRA’s approval comes with several conditions and reservations…
Pakistan’s long-running Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) controversy has entered a fresh phase, with Rs453 billion still awaiting recovery from defaulters while another Rs295 billion reportedly remains unutilised. The issue has resurfaced as the government seeks to amend the GIDC law and expand the permissible use of funds collected under the levy. The proposed GIDC…
