Latest news with #Rs364
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jul '24 to Mar '25: Discos' ‘inefficiencies' result in Rs221bn loss: PD
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division claims that inefficiencies of DISCOs (excess losses and under recoveries) for the period July 2024 to March 2025 stood at Rs221 billion compared to Rs364 billion during the same period of previous year, while registering a decrease of Rs143 billion. In a written reply to a question, the Senate was informed on Friday that the current per unit electricity for single phase domestic consumers for 201-300 units slab in April is Rs39. The quarterly tariff adjustment and fuel charges adjustment may change in upcoming months based on underlying economic variable. Against the Nepra-determined base rate of Rs36.89/unit for 201-300 units slab, the government of Pakistan is currently charging Rs32.55/unit and accordingly providing subsidy of Rs4.34/unit based on the socioeconomic objectives and budgetary targets in filed. The House was further informed that prime minister announced that on the consumption of April month the consumer will get benefit reduction of Rs7.41 (inclusive of taxes). This reductions in bill includes per unit reduction impact in cost of electricity and major component is due to IPPs renegotiation, some portion has already been applied through April bill through second quarter decision and FCA and remaining amount shall be passed on after hearing by Nepra for 3rd quarter. The House was also informed that Neelum Jhelum is a complex hydropower project having 68km of tunneling system. Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project has been closed since May 2024 due to blockage in headrace tunnels. To ascertain the reasons of blockage in the tunnel, dewatering of tunnel has already been completed and debris accumulated in the tunnel is being removed. The prime minister of Pakistan has already constituted a Committee to ascertain the causes and Wapda will proceed on the recommendations of the Committee. The House was informed that the federal government, through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), is financing construction of small, medium, and large dams across the country. Since 2018, 47 dam projects have been completed with federal financing, adding approximately 307,940.61 acre-feet of water storage capacity and facilitating irrigation of 296,537 acres of land. Further, provincial governments have completed 80 dam projects under their respective Annual Development Programs (ADPs) since 2018, collectively contributing an addition of 122,514 acre-feet of water storage capacity and enabling irrigation of 68;016 acres of land. In the current financial year, the federal government is sponsoring 32 dam projects which are at various stages of development. Estimated cost of these projects is Rs1,056.985 billion. Upon completion, these projects will provide a cumulative water storage capacity of approximately 8,429,288 acre-feet, bringing 436,932 acres of new land under irrigation. Provincial governments are sponsoring the construction of 79 dam projects in current financial year at an estimated cost of Rs83.400 billion. These projects once completed will collectively provide a storage capacity of approximately 347,940 acre-feet, bringing 109,966 acres of new land under irrigation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Popularity of Himalayan salt grows in China as Pakistan exports reach $1.8 million in FQ25
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan exported $1.83 million (Rs512 million) worth of salt to China in the first three months of 2025, an increase of 40 percent compared to the same period last year, state-run media reported on Monday, showing the growing popularity of the product in the Chinese market. Pakistan primarily exports salt to the United States, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Other significant destinations include Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Pakistan's salt exports are known to be mined at the Khewra Salt Mine and surrounding deposits. The Khewra Salt Mine is one of the world's oldest and second largest, turning out 325,000 tons of salt a year. The mine is renowned for producing Himalayan pink salt, which is popular globally for its unique color and health benefits. The mine contributes significantly to Pakistan's exports, especially to China, and is also a major tourist attraction due to its historical and geological significance. 'Pakistan exported over 13.64 million kilograms of salt to China worth $1.83 million (Rs512 million) in the first quarter of 2025 whereas last year in the same period it was $1.3 million (Rs364 million),' the Associated Press of Pakistan said in a report, quoting Ghulam Qadir, the Trade and Investment Counsellor of Pakistan in Beijing. 'Pakistan is exporting salt to China under three categories, edible salt, pure sodium chloride and other salt.' The report attributed the increase to better trade ties between the two nations and China's increasing appetite for premium-grade edible salt as well as for salt for industrial consumption, particularly for use in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food processing sectors. Industry experts attributed Pakistan's salt export growth to 'improved logistics, competitive pricing and enhanced quality standards' adopted by Pakistani exporters. 'This surge is a testament to Pakistan's expanding capacity to meet international market demands, and a positive sign for diversifying our exports to China,' the report said, quoting a Trade Development Authority of Pakistan official.
