Connect with us

Business

Govt decides to hike petroleum levy from Nov 16

Published

on

  • Govt jacks up petroleum levy from Nov 16. 
  • Decision was made in line with IMF instructions. 
  • ECC decides to raise levy from to Rs50/lit on RON 95 and above. 

The federal government has approved an increase in the petroleum development levy, Geo News reported. Sources said the government made this decision at the behest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) at the Finance Division, on Friday.

Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, MNA and former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghous Pasha, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Pasha, federal secretaries, the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue and other senior officers attended the meeting.

The FBR presented a summary of the increase in the rate of sales tax on HOBC. It was conveyed that the rates of sales tax on POL products were reduced to zero from February 1, 2022, which put pressure on FBR’s efforts to achieve its revenue targets. Consequently, the ECC has decided to raise the petroleum levy from Rs30 to Rs50 per litre on RON 95 and above with effect from November 16, 2022, which is a luxury item being consumed by wealthy consumers in their expensive vehicles.

The ECC also approved Technical Supplementary Grants of Rs5 billion for the conduct of the 7th population census.

The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) submitted a summary on High-Speed Diesel/ Gas oil premium and informed that due to the difference in premium on import of HSD for importing oil marketing companies (OMCs) and PSO, there is an unsustainable position for importing OMCs and smooth supply of HSD in the country.

In order to ensure sustained supply/import security, the ECC after detailed discussion allowed a premium on HSD subject to maximum capping at $15/BBL for importing OMCs other than PSO for the months of November and December 2022. 

Under the agreement with the IMF, the government has to fetch a revenue of Rs850 billion during the current fiscal by jacking the Petroleum Levy up to Rs50 per litre on petrol and diesel.

Business

Irfan Siddiqui meets with the PM and informs him about the Senate performance of the parliamentary party.

Published

on

By

The head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Standing Committee and the PML-N’s parliamentary leader paid Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif a visit in Islamabad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Parliamentary Party’s Senate performance.

Additionally, Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs’ performance.

He complimented the Prime Minister on his outstanding efforts to bring Pakistan’s economy back on track and meet its economic objectives.

Continue Reading

Business

SIFC Increases Direct Foreign Investment: Investment in the Energy Sector Rises by 120%

Published

on

By

The Special Investment Facilitation Council is intended to help Pakistan’s energy sector attract $585.6 million in direct foreign investment in 2024–2025. The amount invested at the same time previous year was $266.3 million.

This is a notable 120% rise, mostly due to investments in gas exploration, oil, and power. Such expansion indicates heightened investor confidence and emphasizes the development potential in important areas.

The State Bank reports that foreign investment in other vital industries has increased by 48% to $771 million.

This advancement is a blatant testament to SIFC’s efficient investment procedure and quick project execution.

The purpose of the Special Investment Facilitation Council is to establish Pakistan as an investment hub by aggressively promoting regional trade and investment in the energy sector and other critical industries.

Continue Reading

Business

Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

Published

on

By

When compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that discos have decreased their losses in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The distribution businesses recorded losses of Rs239 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year, a substantial decrease from the Rs308 billion losses sustained during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, the distribution businesses’ rate of recovery has improved. It has increased to 91% in the first quarter of this year from 84% in the same period last year, indicating success in revenue collection.

Regarding circular debt, the Power division observed a notable change. Last year, between July and October, the circular debt grew by Rs301 billion. Nonetheless, this year’s first four months saw a relatively modest increase in circular debt, totaling about Rs11 billion.

These enhancements show promising developments in the electricity sector’s financial health in Pakistan, where initiatives are being made to accelerate recovery rates and slow the expansion of circular debt.

Continue Reading

Trending