logo
Iran-Israel conflict: Govt should make urgent arrangements for LPG imports

Iran-Israel conflict: Govt should make urgent arrangements for LPG imports

ISLAMABAD: LPG Distributors Association Chairman Irfan Khokhar warned that the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict could lead to a severe LPG crisis across Pakistan if storage capacity is not immediately increased.
According to Khokhar, Pakistan faces a historic LPG shortfall. With borders closed due to the Iran-Israel war, he urged the government to make urgent special arrangements for LPG imports. Otherwise, Pakistan will experience a significant LPG shortage.
This potential shortage has also activated the LPG mafia, which could drive up the price of a domestic LPG cylinder to PKR 5,000 to PKR 6,000 or more. The per-kilogram price is expected to reach PKR 450 to PKR 500, while commercial cylinders could hit PKR 20,000 to PKR 23,000. Pakistan's daily consumption is 6,000 metric tons, while monthly local production stands at 60,000 to 70,000 metric tons.
Khokhar highlights that the LPG terminals at Port Qasim, SSGC and EVTL, have a combined storage capacity of only 6,500 metric tons. The total storage at Port Qasim is 13,000 metric tons, which is insufficient for Pakistan's needs. In contrast, a country like Bangladesh has an LPG storage capacity of 300,000 metric tons. He emphasizes the urgent need to increase Pakistan's LPG storage.
He advises all distributors and shopkeepers to keep their stocks full.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China's FM to visit Pakistan after India trip
China's FM to visit Pakistan after India trip

Express Tribune

time4 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

China's FM to visit Pakistan after India trip

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a meeting of foreign ministers of the BRICS group of nations in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia June 10, 2024. PHOTO:REUTERS China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in Islamabad this week to lead his country in the Pakistan-China strategic dialogue and hold meetings with the civil and military leadership to discuss bilateral ties along with key regional and international developments. Official sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday that the top Chinese diplomat will undertake a two-day visit beginning on August 21, flying in directly from New Delhi, where he starts a crucial tour on Monday. In Islamabad, the Chinese foreign minister will review the current state of bilateral ties between the two countries and discuss key regional and international developments. His visit comes against a backdrop of a host of developments, including the India-Pakistan military conflict in May, the Iran-Israel war in June and the recent warming of ties between Pakistan and the United States. China's support played a pivotal role in Pakistan's victory over India during the four-day conflict. Although Beijing did not participate directly, Chinese J-10C fighters and PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles (BVR) helped Pakistan shoot down six Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales. China also extended diplomatic backing to Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, supporting Islamabad's call for a third-party investigation into the incident that brought the two nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of full-scale war. Given the current geostrategic environment, both sides are expected to explore ways to further deepen cooperation. Contacts between the two countries have increased markedly in recent months. During Wang's visit, the agenda of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's upcoming trip to China is also expected to be finalised. The prime minister is likely to travel later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Dhaka on August 23, in a trip that was twice postponed due to regional tensions. Dar was initially scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April, but the Pahalgam attack and ensuing Pakistan-India military escalation delayed the trip. The forthcoming visit highlights the steady improvement in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid a year ago, ties between the two countries have undergone a dramatic shift. The former Awami League government maintained minimal engagement with Pakistan. However, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Younus moved to restore ties by lifting restrictions on Pakistani exports and diplomats, and by commencing direct sea trade. Dar's trip is part of efforts to consolidate the rapprochement, with formal talks scheduled with his Bangladeshi counterpart and Chief Advisor Muhammad Younus. Ahead of the visit, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal will be in Dhaka this week for discussions on trade and commercial ties. It is expected that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb may follow in September to attend the first Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission meeting in 20 years.

Defying gravity: why SBP must hold its ground
Defying gravity: why SBP must hold its ground

Business Recorder

time6 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Defying gravity: why SBP must hold its ground

There is growing pressure on the central bank from the authorities in the twin cities to lower interest rates and simultaneously appreciate the exchange rate. Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan is working hard to build foreign exchange reserves by buying from the market. In economic theory, these three objectives are impossible to achieve simultaneously, and any forced effort could lead to another crisis. According to one of the most senior bankers in the country, they are trying to defy gravity. The PKR has slightly appreciated against the USD in recent weeks, while authorities are attempting to control exchange rate stress through negotiations with exchange companies and banks. However, this is not the right strategy and may not be sustainable. The PKR/USD exchange rate was 284 in March 2023, and after more than two years, it stands at 282. There has been no depreciation in the currency during this period, mainly due to the SBP increasing the policy rate to 22 percent and maintaining positive real rates for most of the time. This attracted capital to the PKR and reversed capital flight. This policy also reduced the demand for currency in circulation (CIC), which fell to zero in FY24 but has recently started growing again at worrying levels. The incentives to keep PKR in banks are decreasing. Like water, capital finds its way. When real rates were positive, there was no incentive for companies to build inventories or for traders to hoard commodities like sugar and wheat, which helped tame inflation and stabilize the currency. However, as the SBP halved the rates, CIC has begun growing again at a faster pace. Foreign currency availability in the open market has almost dried up. Non-essential economic demand has started picking up, and there are signs of commodity hoarding by traders, which may lead to price spikes in the future. The SBP's decision to keep the policy rate unchanged in the last review was prudent. In the interbank market, banks manage their supply and demand for foreign exchange. Banks adopted a strategy of attracting home remittances by offering a premium, competing with each other and diverting flows from the informal market. This is why remittances broke all records last year, supported by a government subsidy. The subsidy allocated in FY24 was around Rs 80 billion, while banks billed around Rs 200 billion. The subsidy was rolled back in FY25. The SBP has altered the incentive structure and is urging the federal government to restart the subsidy. So far, banks are unclear about the subsidy's fate. Despite the subsidy, banks incurred losses in the remittance business. Large banks reported losses between Rs 5–10 billion in the first half of CY25. Senior executives from several banks conveyed that they are unwilling to incur further losses, even as import demand grows. This suggests banks might become selective about opening Letters of Credit (L/Cs), as they were in FY23, if the central bank does not adopt the right policy measures. Multiple implied exchange rates exist, with banks and exchange companies offering varying rates to clients, which could exacerbate the situation. The SBP must assert its independence in managing the exchange rate and monetary policy. It should not cater to pressures for currency appreciation. The hard-earned stability, built by buying $12–14 billion over the last eighteen months, could be squandered away quickly. It is best to let market forces determine the currency's value. If the central bank desires a stronger currency, it must keep real interest rates significantly high. If the goal is to lower interest rates, the currency should serve as the first line of defence. The objective must be to avoid a repeat of the 2022–23 crisis, whose memories are still fresh. The SBP should maintain clear policies and provide forward guidance. The finance minister should refrain from making public comments on interest rate levels and instead focus on creating a conducive environment for lower rates through steps aimed at achieving greater fiscal consolidation. The bottom line: interest rates have already been halved within a year, and the impact on demand and currency is evident. The SBP should continue to monitor data and maintain high real rates until capital flows, such as investment and market-based debt, start to pick up. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Weekly Cotton Review: Market shows declining trend amid uncertainty
Weekly Cotton Review: Market shows declining trend amid uncertainty

Business Recorder

time6 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Weekly Cotton Review: Market shows declining trend amid uncertainty

KARACHI: After showing mixed trends in recent days, cotton prices have experienced a decline, with the spot rate dropping by PKR 200 per maund. Market analysts report that uncertainty persists regarding cotton production, leading to concerns among farmers and traders. The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and Punjab Crop Reporting agencies have presented their respective estimates on cotton production, revealing significant discrepancies. Experts suggest that upcoming reports will clarify which assessment holds true. Head Transfer of Technology Central Cotton Research Institute Multan Sajid Mahmood said that the Ministry of Food Security's zero-tolerance policy against substandard seeds is being hailed as a crucial move for the cotton sector. Farmers and industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, with experts stating that it could prove to be a beacon of hope for the future of cotton. Another major challenge for farmers is the sharp rise in fertilizer prices. Authorities are taking measures to address the issue, but growers are demanding immediate price reductions to lower production costs. According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall continues in lower regions of Sindh, with a new spell expected from August 17. Experts say these rains could have either positive or negative effects on the cotton crop, necessitating close monitoring. A significant disclosure by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding cotton consumption has stirred fresh activity in the market. Analysts are assessing the potential impact of this report. Field formations in Punjab have been assigned a special task to achieve the target of procuring 55 lakh cotton bales. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, Secretary Agriculture Department Punjab, confirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to meet this goal. The cotton market witnessed mixed trends this week, with prices fluctuating significantly. Over the past three days, a downward trend dominated, with rates varying by nearly Rs 700. Mills are exercising caution in procurement due to forecasts of rain between August 17 and 22. Similarly, ginners are also adopting a cautious approach, leading to reduced trading volumes. Uncertainty persists regarding cotton production estimates, with the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and Punjab Crop Reporting Service presenting differing projections. The next 15-day cotton production report will provide further clarity on their respective stances. In related developments, Federal Chairman of the National Food and Research Centre, Rana Tanveer Hussain, convened the fourth meeting of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority Board. The session focused on improving the viability of cotton seeds, with decisions made to implement positive measures for seed enhancement. Efforts are also underway to control the soaring prices of fertilizers. Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has been reported since Friday in several cotton-growing regions of Sindh, potentially impacting crop conditions. Market participants remain watchful of weather developments and their influence on future supply and pricing. In Sindh, after market fluctuations, cotton prices remained between Rs 16,000 to Rs 16,300 per maund, while Phutti was traded at Rs 7,000 to Rs 7,700 per 40 kg. In Punjab, cotton prices settled between Rs 16,100 to Rs 16,400 per maund after volatility, with phutti rates ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 7,700 per 40 kg. Similarly, in Balochistan, cotton was in between Rs 16,000 to Rs 16,300 per maund, and phutti traded between Rs 6,800 to Rs 7,800 per 40 kg. Meanwhile, the Spot Rate Committee of the Karachi Cotton Association reduced the spot rate by Rs 200 per maund, closing it at Rs 16,200. Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum Chairman Naseem Usman said that cotton prices remained between 67 to 71 US cents per pound due to a decline of 14 lac bales produced in US as compared to last month. According to the USDA's weekly export and sales report, 242,000 bales were sold for the 2025-26 season. Vietnam led the purchases with 119,200 bales, followed by Bangladesh at 40,200 bales. Turkey secured the third position with 20,700 bales, while Pakistan ranked fourth with 15,600 bales. For the 2026-27 season, 1,100 bales were sold, all of which were purchased by Japan. Sajid Mahmood, Head of the Technology Transfer Department at the Central Cotton Research Institute Multan in a telephonic conversation with renowned cotton analyst Naseem Usman stated that in a recent meeting held at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research important decisions were taken to improve the quality of seeds of various crops including cotton and to protect farmers' interests. He said these decisions are not only essential to safeguard farmers from substandard seeds but are also of fundamental importance for increasing cotton production and ensuring the stability of the national economy. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain made it clear on the occasion that a zero tolerance policy would be adopted against poor quality seeds and that farmers' interests would always be placed above commercial interests. The meeting approved key measures including strict monitoring of seed companies, transparency in the registration standards for new companies and the introduction of a truth and labelling system for cotton which will help ensure the supply of quality and certified seeds to farmers. Sajid Mahmood said that such decisions are of great significance for economic prosperity and particularly for the revival of cotton. He emphasized that the strict monitoring of seed companies and the implementation of the Truth and Labelling System is a breakthrough that will directly benefit farmers and provide a solid foundation for improving cotton production. He further remarked that the fact cannot be ignored that alongside quality seeds substantial investment in research and development is indispensable for the revival of cotton. Without continuous development of new cotton varieties resistance against pests and diseases and research aligned with climate change the sustainability of this vital crop cannot be ensured. For this purpose the textile industry must play its role by ensuring the payment of its long pending cotton cess arrears under the July 9, 2025 agreement between PCCC and APTMA and by facilitating the recovery of cess from textile mills. These resources are crucial for strengthening research institutions like the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee and for delivering improved seeds and technology to farmers. According to a USDA report, Pakistan's cotton consumption for 2024-25 stood at one crore and fifty five lac bales (each weighing 155 kg), with an estimated consumption of one crore and fifty two lac bales projected for 2025-26. However, this data has raised eyebrows as APTMA claims nearly 100 textile mills in the country have shut down, prompting questions about how such high consumption is being recorded. The USDA reported that Pakistan imported approximately 82 lax bales of cotton last year, while the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) stated the domestic production for the 2024-25 season was 55 lac bales and if unregistered bales will be included then as per, sources estimate total production will be in between 75 to 80 lac bales. Adding imports of 82 lac bales to domestic output of 82 lac bales brings the total supply to one crore sixty two lac bales, yet the USDA's reported consumption remains at 15.2 million bales. For the 2025-26 season, the USDA estimates Pakistan's cotton consumption at 15.5 million bales. If domestic production remains between 7.5 to 8 million bales, total supply would reach 16.5 million bales, yet the USDA maintains its consumption estimate at one crore fifty five lac bales. Meanwhile, yarn and fabric imports have surged this year, further complicating the figures. These statistics have sparked debate, as Pakistan's cotton consumption has traditionally been estimated at one crore twenty five lac bales. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of the reported data. In a related development, a provincial-level committee meeting on cotton crop management was held at Agriculture House, Lahore, chaired by Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahu. The meeting reviewed the current cotton situation, with briefings on early cotton picking, production, and quality. Secretary Sahu stated that field formations have been assigned a special task to achieve Punjab's cotton production target of 55 lac bales this season. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store