Electricity and Gas shortages at the domestic level are impacting the lives of residents in Pakistan

[Cricket Warrior]

Power consumers likely to face Rs 5/unit hike in basic tariff

Power consumers likely to receive another ‘shock’ as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to take up CPPA’s plea seeking a hike of Rs5 per unit in the base tariff, ARY News reported.

Preparations are underway to impose an additional burden of over Rs 310 billion on electricity consumers.

As per details, the electric power regulator will decide on the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) plea tomorrow, which is seeking a hike in the base tariff for the FY2024-25.

CPPA has presented seven scenarios for power purchase prices, with an estimated range of Rs 25.03 to Rs 27.11 per unit.

After approval, the burden of power purchase prices is expected to reach Rs 3.58 trillion, putting an additional strain on electricity consumers.

Power consumers likely to face Rs 5/unit hike in basic tariff

ISLAMABAD: Power consumers likely to receive another 'shock' as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is set to take up CPPA's plea

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Pakistan’s electricity shortfall ‘rises’ to 5,500 MW

According to sources, the major cities are facing up to six hours of load shedding and up to eight hours in rural areas whereas in the areas with high line losses, load shedding of 12 to 14 hours is ongoing.

The country’s electricity demand is 24,000 megawatts, while the total electricity production is 18,540 megawatts, according to Power Division sources.

Earlier, an official report of the power ministry stated that the circular debt of Pakistan’s power sector soared to Rs 2,635 billion till January 2024.

According to a report released by the power division, the hike in circular debt continued despite the massive increase in power tariffs and fuel adjustments.

The circular debt increase was recorded at Rs2,310 billion till June 2023, showing an increase of Rs325 billion during the seven months (January 24).

The report stated that poor performance and low recoveries by the DISCOs added to the increase in the circular debt.

It is pertinent to mention here that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demanded further increase in electricity prices, citing an additional burden of Rs 150 billion on the power sector.

According to sources, the IMF has asked the Ministry of Energy to increase the electricity tariff from Rs5 to Rs7 per unit in July.

Pakistan’s electricity shortfall ‘rises’ to 5,500 MW

ISLAMABAD: Prolong power outage crippled the country as electricity shortfall climbed to 5,500 megawatts in Pakistan, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing

arynews.tv

 

[hassan918]

PM takes notice of unbridled loadshedding as shortfall tops 6,000MW​

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News/ Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the unannounced electricity loadshedding lasting up to several hours in both urban and rural parts of the country, as the power shortfall exceeded 6,000 megawatts on Tuesday amid an ongoing heatwave.

According to details, the premier will receive a briefing on the demand and supply [gap] of electricity during a crucial meeting scheduled to take place today [Tuesday].

At present, the national demand for electricity stands at 26,000 megawatts against the production of only 19,814 megawatts, indicating a shortfall of 6,186 megawatts.

Due to the power shortfall, rural areas are experiencing up to eight hours of powers cuts, while urban centres are facing power outages of up to six hours. In areas with high line losses, electricity loadshedding may extend up to 14 hours.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz will review progress of the ongoing crackdown on power pilferage as well as the issue of power loadshedding being observed by the provinces, notably Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On May 18, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gundapur threatened to take over the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) if it failed to extend relief to the people of the province within 15 days.

Nevertheless, a consensus was reached during a meeting of Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Laghari with CM Gandapur on Monday, where the Centre and province decided to address electricity-related issues collectively.

Source: Dunya News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

KE overbilled Sindh govt by Rs20b in past 10 years: minister

Provincial Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah on Wednesday blamed K-Electric (KE) for sending inflated bills to government institutions.

“KE overbilled government institutions by Rs20 billion over the past 10 years,” he disclosed during a meeting with the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists (CEEJ).

He said that during the audit this year too, overbilling of more than Rs2 billion by KE has been proved. The power utility has yet to install billions of rupees worth of smart meters it was provided to avoid over-billing. “What will be the condition of the citizens if there is so much over-billing on government institutions?” the energy minister said expressing anger over the private sector power utility.

He said that the state-run Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) have installed smart meters, providing the government with real-time data.

The energy minister said that authentic data has brought transparency in payments.

The government will form a joint committee to protect citizens from over-billing. The Sindh government will not allow the people of Karachi to suffer the oppression of K-Electric.


Tribune

 

[FearlessRoar]

Budget 2024: Govt announces discount on solar panels

In a move to meet the required demand in the local market, the federal government announced providing discount on solar plants, machinery, batteries, raw materials, and other related components used in the manufacturing of solar panels locally and demote the dependence on the import of solar panels to save valuable foreign exchange.

According to the budgetary document released here on Wednesday, the sales tax, concessional rates, and exemptions were decided to be abolished during the fiscal year 2024-25.

On the other hand, the different categories of mobile phones are levied with a total of 18 percent sales tax.

Meanwhile, it has been decided to levy astandard rate of sales tax on various goods, including the withholding tax on scrap materials such as copper, coal, paper, and plastic.

For the New Scheme, an amount of Rs 6,250 million has been earmarked for land acquisition for the installation of 1200 MW solar power plant Layyah, Rs 4,500 million for electricity distribution improvement, and Rs 6,000 million for installation of assets performance management system on 100 kV and 200 kV distribution transformers.

Similarly, a sum of Rs 34,148.335 million has been specified for the evacuation of power from Dasu HPP stage-1, Rs 16,801 million for evacuation of power from Suki Kinari, Kohala, Rs 2,200 million for evacuation of power from Tarbela 5th Extension, Rs 1,007 million for evacuation of power from wind power projects (Jhimpir), Rs 2,344 million for installation of pilot battery energy storage system, Rs 11,341 million for upgradation of NTDC telecommunication, Rs 6,600 million for 220 kV Dharki-Rahim Yar Khan, Rs 7,230 million for extension and augmentation of existing 500 kV and 220 kV grid stations, Rs 4,615.686 million for 500 KV Islamabad West, Rs 2,750 million for 220 kV Arifwala Substation and Rs 4,430.200 million for 500/220kV Sialkot Substation.

Budget 2024: Govt announces discount on solar panels

ISLAMABAD: Aimed to promote green energy in Pakistan, the Federal government on Wednesday decided to give a discount on solar panels in the budget of the

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

I've noticed a surge in the trend of installing solar panels for domestic use in Pakistan in 2024.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan is unlikely to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes on the spot market until at least the beginning of winter in November due to oversupply and high prices, Federal Minister of Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik told Reuters

Extreme temperatures across Asia have pushed countries to seek more cargoes of LNG to address higher power demand, driving spot prices to their highest since mid-December. Asia spot LNG last traded at $12.00 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) on Friday.

However, LNG demand in the second largest south Asian LNG buyer was "subordinate to supplies," the minister told Reuters, despite heatwaves baking the country of 300 million people with temperatures surging to a near-record.

"The question of getting more LNG when we can't sell the amount of LNG that we already are obtaining from our long-term contracts, it does not apply," the minister told Reuters in an interview.

Annual power use in Pakistan, which gets over a third of its electricity from natural gas, is expected to fall consecutively for the first time in 16 years, due to higher tariffs curbing household consumption.

Poor and middle class households are still feeling the impact of last year’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, which contributed to higher retail prices. A series of power tariff hikes over 12 months was a key part of the IMF programme which ended in April.

Industrial demand has also remained tepid due to a cloudy economic outlook.

Pakistan, which last bought a spot LNG cargo in late 2023, cancelled its spot LNG tender for delivery in January. Malik attributed the cancellation to oversupply, adding that there were "not a lot of customers" at current LNG spot prices.

Malik said Pakistan was keen to adopt more renewable energy to cut its import bill and exposure to geopolitical shocks. The country suffered widespread power outages due to its inability to buy expensive LNG after prices surged due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Any country that is importing $15-18 billion of fuel, how can it be sustainable when the total exports are south of $30 billion? So we have to move away from the imported elements such as LNG," he said.

The country was also trying to access less expensive natural gas by building a pipeline with Iran, but was wary of sanctions, he said.

"We basically are trying to work out the solution whereby we can have access to less expensive gas, but in a manner which does not invoke any sanctions on Pakistan. It all depends on legal interpretations," he said.

"From our perspective, we don't want to get into litigation and we don't want to get sanctioned."

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[FearlessRoar]

Prolonged loadshedding: Protesters storm KE customer care centre

The protesters chanted slogans against K-Electric and pelted stones at the customer care centre, shattering windows.

The demonstration was sparked by the worsening power crisis in Karachi, with residents demanding an end to the frequent load shedding. The protesters blocked both sides of the road, causing a massive traffic jam.

Following the protest, the K-Electric staff abandoned their office and fled the scene, leaving the protesters to vent their anger.

A day earlier, citizens staged protests in various city areas over the non-availability of electricity and water. Protesters staged a sit-in at North Karachi Power House Chowrangi and Gulzar-e-Hijri Scheme 33, blocking traffic and setting tires on fire.

A large number of residents of the area near North Karachi staged a protest against the load shedding of electricity, which caused traffic to come to a standstill on both tracks of Nagan Chowrangi and Surjani Town. The protesters demanded an end to load shedding and cable faults, and chanted slogans against the K Electric.

Meanwhile, a large number of residents of Scheme 33, PCSIR Society, Sachal area, came out of their homes to protest against the non-availability of water, blocking traffic and chanting slogans against the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, demanding immediate water supply. Protesters also set tires and other objects on fire, causing traffic jams and long queues of vehicles.

Prolonged loadshedding: Protesters storm KE customer care centre

KARACHI: Frustrated with prolonged loadshedding, enraged citizens stormed the K-Electric (KE) customer care centre on Karachi’s Abul Hassan Isphani Road,

arynews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

In a recent development, Mari Petroleum Company announced the discover of new gas reserves in Sindh, ARY News reported on Monday

According to details, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) has made a landmark gas discovery at Sindh’s Ghazij Formation.

The petroleum company penned a letter to the Pakistan Stock Exchange informing the discovery of the gas reserve in Sindh.

In the letter, the company asserted that a 1,006-meter well was drilled in the Ghazij Formation, where preliminary tests have indicated gas reserves of 5 million standard cubic feet per day from the well.

The announcement stated that the production process from the well will be integrated into the system after fulfilling all regulatory requirements.

Earlier this year, Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced the discovery of gas in the Sujawal district of Sindh.

“The well tested 1.24 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas through a 32/64” choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 150 pounds per square inch (psi) from the Lower Goru Formation, “OGDCL stated.

On Monday, the company shared the development in its notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

“The OGDCL as 100% operator has discovered gas at its exploratory Well located in district Sujawal of Sindh,” read the notice.

OGDCL shared that the structure of Nur West # 01 was drilled and tested using the company’s in-house expertise to a depth of 2,975 meters.

OGDCL shared that the discovery is being evaluated as tight gas.

Source : Ary News

 

[Cricket Warrior]

K-Electric to reduce loadshedding timing within few days: Nasir Shah

Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Wednesday claimed that K-Electric would reduce loadshedding across Karachi in the next few days.

The K Electric was trying to reduce loadshedding timing specially, during night and peak hours in the hot day to provide relief to the people, the minister said while talking to media on the occasion of MoU signing ceremony between Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC), K Electric and NSCL here at the office of Sindh Energy department.

Chief Executive Officer STDC Muhammad Salim Shaikh, CEO NSCL Zaigham Adil Rizvi and CEO K-Electric Monis Abdullah Alvi signed the MoU to lay transmission line of 40 megawatts electricity from Pipri Grid Station to NSCL located at Port Qasim Authority.

The STDC is the first Provincial Grid Company (PGC) license holder with the mandate to develop electric power transmission infrastructure of 132 KV and above.

Nasir Shah said that K Electric through STDC, will supply 40 megawatts of electricity to National Steel Complex through 132 KV transmission line.

The energy minister said this project also includes the construction of 132 KV transmission line.

Syed Nasir Shah said that the project will increase the confidence of private investors in the STDC and Energy Department Government of Sindh to develop projects that will benefit Sindh province by creating jobs and boosting the economy.

On this occasion, CEO STDC Muhammad Salim Shaikh said that on June 13, MoU was signed between STDC and GO Energy for Pakistan’s first 500 MW floating solar power project in collaboration with Department of Alternative Energy and Department of Irrigation. He said the STDC will lay 220 kv transmission line from Kenjhar Lake Power Project to K-Electric Dhabeji Grid Station Karachi, adding that the K Electric would get 500 MW of power from the floating solar power project.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Similarly, he said on June 15, 2024, MoU was signed between STDC and Gul Ahmed Group for construction of 132kV transmission line from identified power plant location in Jhampir Wind Corridor to Gul Ahmed Group in Landhi area.

The Department of Alternative Energy has already procured land (524 acres and 558 acres) in Jhampir Area Wind Corridor for this purpose. STDC will lay 60 km long transmission line from Jhampir power plant site to Landhi area for transmission of 100 MW wind power. This project is based on B2B. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Furthermore, the Government of Sindh is committed to accelerating the use of renewable resources and is working hard to reduce the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) overall basket tariff and make it affordable for the common people of the country. Apart from tariff reduction, renewable energy will also contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to create a clean, reliable and sustainable environment.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Sindh Energy Secretary Mussadiq Ahmed Khan and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.


ARY News

 

[FearlessRoar]

Energy minister calls for urgent overhaul of power system​

Energy Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari informed the Upper House on Friday that Pakistan’s entire electricity system is outdated and requires a complete overhaul.

Addressing a calling attention notice from Senator Falak Naz regarding excessive and unannounced load shedding in Upper and Lower Chitral, which has been causing significant problems for residents, Leghari assured that the electricity system would be fully restored within two weeks.

He explained that the Golan Gol Hydropower Project, which generates 108 megawatts of electricity, had ceased power generation due to technical issues.

The alternative solution was to supply electricity from the national grid through PESCO, but the line managed by WAPDA also experienced faults, exacerbating the problem. However, teams are working on an urgent basis to restore electricity in Chitral.

The minister apologised for the inefficiency of employees and emphasised that without a complete overhaul, no substantial improvements could be expected in the system. "Our actions are yielding good results, and we are working diligently to restore electricity for the people of Chitral," he stated.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani assured Senator Naz that the issue would be addressed when the Ministry briefs the Committee of the Whole of the Senate on the power crisis.

Energy minister calls for urgent overhaul of power system | The Express Tribune

Leghari informs Senate that entire electrical infrastructure is outdated

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

IPP agreements reason behind electricity crises: JI

Addressing a presser in Rawalpindi, JI Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch lambasted the government over its ‘failure’ to address inflation, unemployment, and other issues being faced by the masses

He said that Pakistan’s economy has come to a standstill. Responding to the recent budget, the JI Naib Ameer termed it a “document of national destruction”.

Ameer Liaquat Baloch said that the government and its allies are ‘oblivious’ to the suffering of the people, pointing to the massive increase in electricity bills, which he said left the common man disillusioned with their future.

Earlier, the JI announced a protest sit-in in Islamabad against over-billing, power load-shedding, inflation and joblessness.

Ameer Jamaat Islami Hafiz Naeemur Rehman in a statement said that 1,000 people died in the ongoing heatwave, but K-Electric didn’t reduce the loadshedding of electricity in Karachi.

“It has been 19 years since the privatisation of the power utility but its line losses have been maximum till now, it also supplies the most expensive electricity in the country,” Hafiz Naeem said.

While announcing to hold the sit-in from the party in Islamabad on July 12, Hafiz Naeem said, “We will now settle every issue with the sit-in”.

IPP agreements reason behind electricity crises: JI

RAWALPINDI: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan opposed the federal government's agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), terming them the main

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Former, incumbent ministers spar over IPP deals as power bills continue to balloon

Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has stated that the government cannot unilaterally act against independent power producers (IPPs) regarding power purchase agreements (PPAs) that are bleeding the national exchequer like there’s no tomorrow.

“The government has guaranteed the IPP contracts. [That said] we are moving towards privatising loss-making power companies and institutions,” Leghari said while returning fire after a salvo of messages on X posted by ex-caretaker minister Dr Gohar Ejaz, calling the former out for power woes.

PPAs with IPPs, made under various regimes without careful consideration of the potential consequences, are the primary cause of Pakistan’s power crises.

Owing to these IPP contracts, energy users already receive the worst form of invoices in the world, with taxes and capacity fees accounting for 70% of their bills.

The country in the past 15 years has suffered losses of nearly Rs5,082 billion due to the governments’ failure to control the menace of circular debt, totalling an annual loss of Rs370 billion.

Since July 2018, the power purchase price has climbed by 95.82%. The spanning period of these IPPS will end around 2050.

Leghari said that they are also studying the current IPP contracts and planning to generate more electricity from cheaper sources.

The federal minister further stated, “We will let those IPPs go that do not serve our purpose.”

“The only way forward is to renegotiate. Correct. Now you are coming in line, Mr former minister. No one is cancelling contracts, but we are renegotiating the same. I have personally given instructions regarding the same,” Leghari said in one of his responses.

Ejaz, who was a federal minister for interior, commerce, industries, investment & overseas Pakistanis in the caretaker setup, lambasted the government's handling of IPPs, claiming, “They are being annually paid Rs2 trillion for no reason.”

“Why Rs2 trillion capacity payment paid to power plants last year which is costing all consumers Rs24 per unit when the actual cost should be below Rs8 per unit? Payments were made for idle capacity to IPPs; they should be paid only for power produced and delivered to National Grid,” Ejaz wrote in one of the posts of a long thread on his X handle.

He said these contracts with IPPs were with conditions of “Take or Pay,” “which has to be cancelled.” He wrote, as per the contracts, “The capacity payment charges are to be paid even if electricity is not produced by these IPPs, which is unsustainable. These electricity tariffs of Rs60 or 21 cents do not exist anywhere in the world.”

“If electricity is bought from cheapest electricity suppliers without capacity payment and treated as merchant suppliers’ electricity prices will come below Rs30 per unit instead of Rs60 per unit plus today,” the former minister wrote.

Responding to Leghari, Ejaz claimed the IPP contracts had burdened the public with Rs200 billion worth of payments.

He accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government of dubbing its incompetence, mismanagement, and corruption as reforms under International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.

Lamenting that disappointment prevails in every city and institution across the country, Ejaz noted that IPPs utilised less than 50% of their 23,400MW electricity generation capacity over the past two years.

He also pointed out that shut down and partially operational power plants incurred an additional cost of nearly Rs1 trillion.

Earlier, Leghari had slammed Ejaz on X, calling him an uninformed ex-minister, while reminding him of the last 35 years of consistently disappointing and flawed planning in Pakistan.

Leghari said that efforts to aggressively address discrepancies in power distribution companies (DISCOs) had been initiated for the first time.

The energy minister added that current discussions were underway to streamline cash flows with IPPs and stressed the critical need to maximise the effective use of current generation capacity.

“Thank you for guiding us now. But be positive and state facts. I am not denying the dismal state that the power sector is in, but I am extremely hopeful. My PM [Shehbaz Sharif] has resolved to correct the course and we are committed,” Leghari said in one of his responses to Ejaz on X.

According to experts, Pakistan has to make investments in renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to diversify its energy mix.

Reducing energy waste and transmission losses, governance, cost and infrastructure can also be achieved by putting energy-efficient technologies, including smart grids and metering systems, into use.

Given the alarming situation, it is imperative to review or renegotiate the IPP Power Purchase Agreements immediately to prevent Pakistan’s economy from collapsing.

Former, incumbent ministers spar over IPP deals as power bills continue to balloon

Leghari calls Ejaz uninformed, tells him to set his stats straight.Says moving towards privatising loss-making power companies.Gohar Ejaz says IPP contracts burdened public with Rs200bn.Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has stated...

www.geo.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Electricity Ddstribution companies' privatisation approved by commission board​

The Privatization Commission Board (PCB) has approved the privatisation of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and decided to appoint financial advisors.

The board meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Investment, Communications, and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, approved the privatisation, and the legal processes related to privatization are expected to be completed by 2025.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasised the importance of ensuring the transparent and swift privatization of institutions.

He stated that the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would demonstrate the private sector's seriousness towards privatisation, stressing that the process is crucial for strengthening and reviving the national economy, with strong prospects for profitability once the institutions are transferred to the private sector.

All privatisation targets are to be achieved on time, with final approval to be given by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP).

Commission Board approves privatization of electricity distribution companies | The Express Tribune

Aleem stressed that process is crucial for strengthening national economy, with strong prospects for profitability

tribune.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

Govt mulls ending free electricity for MPs, judges

The Ministry of Energy has devised a plan to end free electricity benefits for bureaucrats, judges, parliamentarians and other officials amid mounting criticism over the substantial capacity charges paid to independent power producers (IPPs).

According to a Geo TV report, the proposal suggests cutting off free electricity for all government and semi-government institutions, including bureaucrats, judges and parliamentarians.

However, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected the impression that parliamentarians receive free electricity.

“The parliamentarians do not get free electricity facilities. I can show my electricity bills of 35 years paid from my personal pocket,” he said.

Mr Asif suggested that judges and bureaucrats should be asked about their electricity benefits.

The news channel’s report also indicated a proposal to eliminate free petrol facilities for all institutions in the second phase.

The ministry’s proposal comes as the country is going through a severe financial crisis, exacerbated by significant foreign debt. Experts say that the government must take extraordinary measures to avoid default and boost exports to $60 billion.

It was reported that according to the ministry’s proposal, legitimate facilities will be provided only to industries and businesses, while a proposal to reduce Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) charges for factories was also under consideration.

The power division meeting also proposed reviewing the performance of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

On Friday, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) announced plans to petition the Supreme Court against IPP owners, seeking an audit of their projects.

At a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Awaam Pakistan Party leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail accused distribution companies (Discos) of overcharging electricity bills, contributing to the country’s instability due to high power tariffs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) president Khawaja Mehboobur Rehman and its south Punjab chairman, Malik Talat Suhail, criticised power purchase agreements (PPAs) with IPPs, stating they were made without proper consideration, pushing the nation and industry towards economic collapse. The business community of south Punjab expressed these concerns at a press conference in Multan.

Mr Rehman said that contracts with IPPs mandate the procurement of a set minimum quantity of power, with Chinese IPP payables alone nearing $2 billion and the government currently finalising a payment schedule for these debts.

The PBF president demanded that the federal government conduct forensic audits of IPPs, including investment, technical, and financial audits, to identify any financial irregularities or potential criminal behaviour. He also called for a fuel audit to verify the accuracy of IPPs’ reported fuel usage and expenses.

Mr Suhail urged the federal government to renegotiate contracts with IPPs to address tariff adjustments, payment terms and contractual responsibilities. He suggested exploring alternative energy resources, promoting hydroelectric and renewable energy, and paying IPP owners in rupees instead of dollars to potentially save Rs5.5 trillion.

DAWN

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Power minister vows to maintain IPP contracts

The government would not modify the independent power producers (IPPs) contracts under any circumstances, as they “are as crucial as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor agreements,” Power Minister Awais Leghari has said.

“The repayment of interest on loans taken for capacity payment plants has been a burden due to the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, which has impacted the power sector,” he said while appearing on the Naya Pakistan with Shahzad Iqbal aired on Geo News.

His statement comes amid the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in against the exorbitant electricity bills and power agreements signed with the IPPs.

The religiopoltical party’s sit-in entered its third day on Sunday, with several protesters on Murre Road in Rawalpindi. The JI and the government held the first round of talks after which the latter assured the former of forming a technical committee on the 10 demands.

“The reduction in prices is more than the regional rate and we will not modify the IPP contracts under any circumstances,” Leghari said.

He went on to describe the contracts with IPPs for installing solar power as of “great importance,” with seven-year agreements for solar panels.

Legahri added that the government has not had any discussions with any Chinese power producer or other plant owners. Instead, it would study the entire structure responsibly and negotiate in a way that benefits both parties.

He emphasised that a five-kilowatt solar system installed by an IPP and its associated contract holds the same significance for them as any CPEC or external contract.

The minister said that they are taking measures to reduce electricity prices and are moving towards coal-based power generation.



AAJ News

 

[FearlessRoar]

Gas supply in Sindh, Balochistan areas affected due to leakage​

Gas supply to some of the areas of Sindh and Balochistan will be affected as one of the feeder lines supplying gas to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is facing a leakage.

The gas transmission company, in a alert on Facebook, said that a Gambat GPF IV feeder line was found to have a leakage due to which the system is experiencing a gas shortage of 38mmcfd.

The alert added that a team of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has begun pipeline repair which is expected to be completed within 20 hours.

"Due to this reason, some areas in Sindh and Balochistan will face low gas pressure. Inconvenience is regretted," said the SSGC.

According to The News, the SSGC last week said it was implementing a gas pipeline augmentation and expansion plan in Karachi and adjoining areas to ensure enhanced gas pressures and supplies.

The SSGC recently commissioned two projects — a pipeline project from Sheedi Goth to Future Colony and a pipeline from Azeempura to Jam Sadiq Ali Bridge.

SSGC Managing Director Imran Maniar reiterated the company’s commitment towards enhanced gas supply and pressures.

Gas supply in Sindh, Balochistan areas affected due to leakage

Gas supply to some of the areas of Sindh and Balochistan will be affected as one of the feeder lines supplying gas to Sui Southern Gas Company is facing a leakage. The gas transmission...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[BouncerGuy]

Karachi faces major traffic jam in multiple areas after protesters block key roads

Residents of Karachi faced yet another hardship on Tuesday morning as commuters were caught up in severe traffic jams in several areas of the city as organised protests blocked major arteries and choked road networks of Sindh’s provincial capital.

As per traffic alerts, long queues of vehicles were witnessed at Sharae Faisal, Chaudhry Khaleeq uz Zaman Road, Korangi road, Teen Talwar, Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Civic Center, Sohrab Goth, Korangi Expressway, and the Lyari Expressway.

It took hours before police said traffic was restored to its normal flow in some areas including Sunset Boulevard and Hino Chowrangi after the protest ended.

But it only came after commuters were unable to reach their workplaces on time, and remained stuck or took U-turns to avoid getting trapped in jams that stretched to hundreds of metres.

In a post on social media X, Karachi Traffic Police had earlier requested the public to use alternative road to avoid inconvenience.

The protests, organised with usage of heavy vehicles to block major roads, were reportedly held against electricity outages and the power utility’s city-wide campaign to end energy theft.

A traffic official told Business Recorder it will take some time for the situation to normalise.

On different WhatsApp groups, employees were exchanging messages to warn colleagues about the traffic jams in various areas.

Alerts were also circulating as citizens looked to share details ahead of peak traffic time.

When contacted by Business Recorder, K-Electric – the energy utility in Karachi – said the company has been undertaking a city-wide exercise to eliminate power theft.

“An operation was carried out in Gizri earlier this morning to remove a large network of illegal kundas stealing power from a nearby load-shed-free feeder,” KE spokesperson Imran Rana told Business Recorder.

“Area residents, some of whom were armed, obstructed the KE teams during the kunda removal exercise and blocked access. We are in touch with law enforcement agencies over the matter.

“KE remains committed to combating power theft, which is a menace not only for the company but also affects the load-shed-free status of adjoining areas.”

The company’s remarks come as Pakistan sees a surge in energy tariffs with power theft a major contributor to surging prices.

SOURCE: https://www.brecorder.com/news/4032...ltiple-areas-after-protesters-block-key-roads

 

[FearlessRoar]

OGDCL and China's CCDC sign MoU for shale and tight gas development in Pakistan​

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan’s leading Exploration & Production company, and CCDC, the major player in Drilling and upstream Oil field Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday for the development of shale and tight gas potential of Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, witnessed the MoU signing ceremony during the ongoing 8th Silk Road International Expo for Investment and Trade, according to a news release received here.

The MoU highlights the commitment of both countries to developing Pakistan’s shale and tight gas potential, aiming to address the country’s energy needs through indigenous resources.

Mumtaz Ali Soomro, Executive Director (Production) of OGDCL, and Mr. Zhang Zhidong, Vice President of CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Ltd., signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi also attended the event.

Dr. Musadik Malik expressed hope that cooperation in the energy sector between both nations will continue to strengthen in the future, benefiting both countries mutually.

He highlighted the collaboration between Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and CCDC on shale and tight gas, stating that this partnership will open a new chapter in the exploration of Pakistan’s untapped energy resources.

OGDCL and China's CCDC sign MoU for shale and tight gas development in Pakistan | The Express Tribune

Pakistan and China signed an MoU to develop shale and tight gas resources, marking a significant energy partnership.

tribune.com.pk

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has introduced an updated winter gas supply plan designed to provide consumers with consistent, high-pressure gas during peak hours to meet seasonal needs

The revised schedule, effective from November 2024, specifies set time slots for gas availability, helping consumers plan cooking and heating activities around these periods, a local media outlet reported.

According to SNGPL’s new timetable, gas will be supplied at full pressure during three designated slots:

Morning: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Afternoon: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Evening: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

SNGPL representatives stated that the adjustments were made in compliance with government directives, with the company’s focus on enhancing service reliability across regions. They assured that consumers in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other areas served by SNGPL would receive the full-pressure supply at these specific times.

The demand for gas rises significantly during winter as households depend on it for heating and hot water. This seasonal increase, coupled with shorter daylight hours, often strains supply systems.

SNGPL’s new winter schedule is expected to help mitigate these challenges and provide a stable supply to its over 7.22 million customers.

Moreover, Pakistan's daily oil and gas production and the sales of POL products increased by 2% respectively during the first four months of the current fiscal year.

According to data from Petroleum Information Services, the average daily crude oil production in the week ending on October 31 was recorded at 65,582 barrels, an increase from the previous week’s daily production of 64,467 barrels.

Meanwhile, the average daily gas production stood at 2,737 MMCFD, showing a 2% increase over the previous week’s production of 2,694 MMCFD, Express News reported.

In addition, statistics from the Oil Companies Advisory Council revealed that from July to October, petroleum product sales amounted to 5.18 million tons, also reflecting a 2% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to data from the State Bank, exports to France, Germany, and other Western European countries in the first quarter of the current fiscal year earned $1.165 billion, which is a 16.23% increase over the same period last year.

However, imports from these countries cost $496.34 million, 40.67% lower than the previous fiscal year’s imports.

Furthermore, the Cotton Ginners Association reported a 37% decrease in cotton arrivals at ginning factories, with 4,291,000 bales arriving by October 31, compared to 6,794,000 bales during the same period last year.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[FearlessRoar]

Parts of Karachi to experience 8-hour gas uutage on December 14: SSGC​

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced a temporary suspension of gas supply in parts of Karachi on December 14.

The outage, which will last for eight hours, is due to the relocation of a high-pressure gas pipeline in the Peoples Chowrangi area for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

The suspension will take place from 10:00 PM on December 14 until 6:00 AM on December 15.

During this time, major facilities such as Agha Khan Hospital, Liaquat National Hospital, and Saylani Welfare Trust will be impacted by the gas cut.

However, gas supply to nearby households has already been restricted due to ongoing profiling measures.

SSGC stated that the pipeline relocation is essential to accommodate the ongoing infrastructure improvements related to the BRT project.

On the other hand, Hyderabad is facing a severe gas shortage as winter sets in, with frequent gas cuts and low pressure disrupting daily life.

The situation has worsened, especially in densely populated areas like Latifabad and Qasimabad, where gas supply is cut off from 9 pm to 6 am, and the available gas pressure is too low to be useful.

Residents, particularly women, are struggling to cook meals, resorting to expensive alternatives like LPG cylinders or meals from local tandoors.

Gas outages also affect basic needs like heating water, exacerbating existing issues like electricity load-shedding and water shortages.

While political leaders and residents have voiced their concerns, little action has been taken by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to resolve the issue.

Commercial consumers continue to receive uninterrupted gas, raising concerns of inequity in distribution. Local lawmakers from MQM-Pakistan have condemned the situation, urging the government and SSGC to restore gas supply and ensure fairness, especially for the poor and vulnerable groups.

Despite ongoing complaints, the residents remain without a solution as the winter cold deepens.

SSGC announces 8-hour gas outage in Karachi on Dec 14 | The Express Tribune

Karachi’s gas supply will be suspended from Dec 14-15 for BRT pipeline relocation.

tribune.com.pk