Tag: ECC

  • Pakistan purchases 450,000 metric tons wheat from Russia

    Pakistan purchases 450,000 metric tons wheat from Russia

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is purchasing of 450,000 metric tons wheat from Russia as country’s economic coordination committee approved a bid of a Russian company.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met on Monday which was presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

    READ MORE: Saudi Arabia extends term of $3 billion deposit for Pakistan

    Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi MNA/Ex-PM, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Ayesha Ghous Pasha, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, SAPM on Government Effectiveness Dr. Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Federal Secretaries and other senior officers attended the meeting in person while Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, Coordinator to PM on Commerce and Industry Rana Ihsan Afzal and Governor SBP, MD PASSCO joined the meeting through Zoom.

    READ MORE: Pakistan exports plunge 18.34pc in November 2021

    Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary on Award of 7th International Wheat Tender 2022 opened on November 30, 2022.

    Keeping in view results of 7th International tender and G2G offer, the ECC approved the lowest bid from M/s Cereal Crop Trading LLC at $ 372/MT for supply of 130,000 MT at Karachi ports for the shipment period from 16th December, 2022 8th February, 2023.

    READ MORE: SBP foreign exchange reserves fall to $7.5 billion

    The ECC also granted approval of the offer of M/s Prodintorg , Russia on Government to Government (G2G) basis at $ 372 /MT for supply of 450,000 MT at Gwadar Port for shipment period from 1st February, 2023 to 31st March, 2023.

    It was decided that any additional cost on inland transportation from Gwadar Port will be borne by PASSCO to be recovered from provinces at the time of release of wheat stock.

    READ MORE: Pakistan slaps 5pc regulatory duty on yarn import

    The ECC also approved proposal of Finance Ministry to change the title of the revolving fund account for CPEC Independent Power Producers from “Pakistan Energy Revolving Fund” to “Pakistan Energy Revolving Account”.

  • Pakistan slaps 5pc regulatory duty on yarn import

    Pakistan slaps 5pc regulatory duty on yarn import

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday slapped regulatory duty at 5 per cent on the import of filament yarns.

    The 5 per cent regulatory duty would be imposed on filament Yarns falling in Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) of 5402.3300, 5402.4600, 5402.4700, 5402.5200 and 5402.6200.

    The decision has been taken at a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) which was presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

    READ MORE: PYMA urges government not to impose regulatory duty on yarn

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary on Individual Tariff Rationalization proposal from different sectors for review of Regulatory Duties (RDs). The ECC after discussion approved the proposal to reduce RD on Disodium Carbonate (PCT – 2836.2000) from current rate of 20 per cent to 10 per cent and imposed RD at rate of 5 per cent on filament Yarns (PCT 5402.3300, 5402.4600, 5402.4700, 5402.5200 and 5402.6200).

    Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi MNA/Ex-PM, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Coordinator to PM on Commerce and Industry Rana Ihsan Afzal, Federal Secretaries, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other senior officers attended the meeting.

    READ MORE: ECC approves raising petroleum levy to Rs50 per liter on RON 95

    Finance Division submitted a summary on launch of Credit Guarantee Scheme under Credit Guarantee Trust Fund through Second Supplemental Trust Deed.

    It was presented that Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company Limited (PMRC) has been setup as a joint initiative of the government of Pakistan and Commercial Banks/Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to provide medium and long term funding to primary mortgage lenders by raising from the capital debt market at cheaper rates.

    PMRC being the trustee launched a scheme titled, Credit Guarantee Trust Scheme under the First Supplemental Trust Deed.

    To expand the provision of risk cover to FIs against financing in housing sector, the WB approved an additional credit line to the government of Pakistan for housing finance project which may be passed on to Credit Guarantee Trust Fund.

    READ MORE: Petroleum sales decrease by 22% in four months of 2022-2023

    In view of above, the ECC allowed to launch a new scheme titled, Credit Guarantee Trust Scheme for low income housing through Second Supplemental Trust Deed with an amount of $85 million to be obtained from the World Bank (WB) to provide risk cover to financing institutions against their financing in housing sector.

    Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary on fixation and notification of Minimum Indicative Prices of Tobacco Crop 2023. After detailed deliberation, the ECC approved minimum indicative prices for various types of tobacco for different areas for 2023 tobacco crop as under: S. No Types of Tobacco Minimum Indicative prices for 2023 Crop (Rs. Per Kg) 1. Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) i. Plain Area ii. Sub-mountainous Area 310 351 2. Dark Air-Cured Tobbaco (DAC) 190 3 White Patta 146 4. Burley 223 5. Naswar/ Snuff/Hookah and other Rustica tobacco and its products 146 6.

    Sun Cured Virginia (SCV) 200 Power Division submitted a summary on Uniform tariff for K-electric. It was submitted that KE applicable uniform variable charge is required to be modified to maintain the uniform tariff across the country with category wise increases including general supply tariff – residential, general supply tariff – commercial, industrial supply tariff, bulk supply tariff, agriculture tariff, and public lighting with recovery period of four months.

    READ MORE: K-Electric posts huge losses despite 144% jump in tariff adjustment revenue

    It was also shared such adjustment shall be applicable on the consumption from October 2022 to January 2023 to be recovered from consumers in December 2022 to March 2023, respectively.

    The ECC after deliberation approved this proposal. Power Division submitted another summary on settlement of payables to Government Owned Power Plants at par with IPPS. The ECC approved Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 93.438 billion in three tranches of Rs. 31.146 billion each.

    The ECC discussed summary submitted by Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted on Kissan Package-2022 and approved base tariff for electric tube wells at Rs. 13/kWH from Rs. 16.60/kWH, providing relief to farmers of Rs. 3.60/kWH effective from November 01, 2022 to compensate the damage caused by the floods and heavy rains.

    Ministry of Information and Broadcasting submitted a summary for allocation of budget to launch comprehensive media awareness campaign on government initiatives, programmes and projects. The ECC after detailed discussion approved Supplementary Grant of Rs. 2 billion for flood related media campaigns.

    ECC approved Rs. 15 billion in favour of Election Commission of Pakistan for Current Financial Year 2022-23. Out of Rs. 15 billion, Rs. 5 billion will be released immediately while the balance will be released in tranches on utilization of the first tranche.

    The ECC also approved Technical Supplementary Grant amounting to Rs. 162.521 million in favour of Ministry of Housing and Works in addition to approving Rs. 250 million for execution of development scheme titled “Construction of Railway underpass, Gojra, District Toba Tek Singh” and Rs. 144.210 million for execution of development schemes in District D.I. Khan.

  • ECC approves raising petroleum levy to Rs50 per liter on RON 95

    ECC approves raising petroleum levy to Rs50 per liter on RON 95

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Friday approved increasing petroleum levy to Rs50 per liter on RON 95.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar presided over the meeting of the ECC at Finance Division.

    READ MORE: Petroleum sales decrease by 22% in four months of 2022-2023

    Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) presented a summary on increase in rate of Sales Tax on HOBC. It was conveyed that the rates of Sales Tax on POL products were reduced to zero from February 01, 2022, that put pressure on FBR’s efforts to achieve its revenue targets.

    Therefore, the ECC after deliberation allowed to increase petroleum levy from Rs 30 up to Rs. 50/Liter on RON 95 and above with effect from November 16, 2022, which is a luxury good being consumed by wealthy consumers in expensive vehicles.

    READ MORE: K-Electric posts huge losses despite 144% jump in tariff adjustment revenue

    Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi MNA/ex-PM, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Pasha, Federal Secretaries, Chairman FBR and other senior officers attended the meeting.

    READ MORE: OGDCL announces huge oil discovery at Attock

    Ministry of energy (Petroleum Division) submitted a summary on High Speed Diesel/ Gas oil premium and informed that due to difference of premium on import of HSD for importing 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 premium on HSD subject to maximum capping at US$ 15/BBL for importing OMCs other than PSO for the months of November and December, 2022.

    The ECC also approved Technical Supplementary Grants of Rs. 5 billion for conduct of 7th population census.

    READ MORE: Electricity withholding tax not applicable on ATL domestic consumers

  • ECC approves grant for salary disbursement to PSM employees

    ECC approves grant for salary disbursement to PSM employees

    ISLAMABAD: Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved a grant for disbursement of Rs1.38 billion of projected salary to employees of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

    The ECC considered and approved a summary of Ministry of Industries & Production (MoIP) and allowed the payment of projected net salary of Rs1.378 billion for the Financial Year 2022-2023 to be disbursed every month to Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) employees through a technical supplementary grant.

    READ MORE: ECC approves clearance of banned items landed till August 18, 2022

    This decision will ensure the disbursement of monthly salaries to the employees.

    This was approved in ECC of Cabinet meeting Chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

    Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema, Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi MNA/ex-PM, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Coordinator to PM on Commerce and Industry Rana Ihsan Afzal, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    READ MORE: USC to disburse ration bags worth Rs540 million to flood victims

    Ministry of Commerce presented a summary on amendment in Import Policy Order 2022 to allow import of the Holy Quran subject to NOC from the relevant Federal or the Provincial Authority.

    The summary was presented in the light of the directions of the honourable Lahore High court and Baluchistan High court directing the Federal and Provincial authorities to ensure only error-free printing, publishing, recording and import of copies of the Holy Quran. The proposed amendment of import of the Holy Quean was subject to NOC. The ECC after discussion approved the proposal.

    The ECC also approved another summary of Ministry of Commerce seeking amendment in the earlier decision of the ECC dated 25-07-2022 on Regionally Competitive Energy Rates for Export Oriented Sectors during FY 2022-23 and allowed amendment that “the electricity tariff will be effective from 1st August, 2022, whereas RLNG tariff will be effective from 1st July, 2022.”

    READ MORE: Pakistan State Oil gets Rs30 billion to avoid default

    The ECC considered a summary of Petroleum Division and allowed to grant a Development and Production Lease (D&PL) for (15) fifteen years w.e.f 15-01-2022 over Kandhkot Mining Lease area on existing Gas Price and subject to the condition that M/s PPL will pay all the financial obligations in accordance with Petroleum Policy 2012.

    Kandhkot discovery was made by PPL in 1959. The Government granted the mining lease over Kandhkot Gas field for a period of 30 years in 1962 which was renewed for further thirty years in 1992.

    Petroleum Division submitted another summary on revival of revoked petroleum exploration licenses. It was informed that (11) eleven exploration licenses were revoked due to non performance of work commitment and non-payment of financial obligations by various exploration & production companies.

    In all the eleven blocks, status quo order was passed by the respective Civil Courts, Islamabad and Sindh High Courts. It is pertinent to mention that the litigant companies have approached the government and shown keen interest in exploration of the blocks awarded. In order to resolve this longstanding issue of litigation, which has resulted in halting of exploration and production activities in some of the respective blocks of the country, Petroleum Division has developed a framework for revival of revoked licenses through out of court settlement.

    The ECC after detail discussion approved the proposed framework.

    READ MORE: Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    The ECC approved another summary of Petroleum Division for change of effective control from M/s Eni ULX Limited, M/s Eni UK Limited and M/s Eni Oil Holdings B.V, in respect of its subsidiary companies i-e M/s ENI Pakistan Limited , ENI

    Pakistan (AEP) Limited and ENI Pakistan (M) Limited , respectively to M/s Prime International Oil & Gas Company Limited (PIOGCL) subject to condition that PIOGCL shall be liable to the Government for all the minimum work commitments and financial obligations and Government’s revenue s will not be adversely affected after this change of effective control.

    Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination presented a summary on proposal for increase in Maximum Retail Price (MRPs) of Paracetamol products. The ECC approved following agreed price of Paracetamol products.

    DescriptionProduct Current Price (Rs.)Demand Price (Rs.)Agreed Price (Rs.)
    Plain 500mg1.872.672.35
    Extra 500mg2.193.322.75
    Liquid104.8117.6117.6

    The ECC also approved Technical Supplementary Grants of Rs. 30,888.5 million in favour of Defence Division and Rs. 1000 Million for Ministry of Housing and Works.

  • ECC approves clearance of banned items landed till August 18, 2022

    ECC approves clearance of banned items landed till August 18, 2022

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Wednesday approved the customs clearance of banned items, which landed till August 18, 2022.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail virtually presided over the meeting of the ECC. Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmmod, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA/ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Coordinator to the PM on Economy Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman NDMA, Chairman FBR, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    READ MORE: USC to disburse ration bags worth Rs540 million to flood victims

    The ECC considered a summary of Ministry of Commerce on clearance of stuck up consignments in light of office memorandum dated 22 July, 2022, 19 August, 2022 and 23 August, 2022 issued by Ministry of Commerce.

    The ECC approved the proposal and directed that the consignments of previously banned items that landed in Pakistan till August 18, 2022 may be released at the rate of surcharge.

    Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination presented a summary for exemption of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from Custom Duty and Additional Custom Duty.

    READ MORE: Pakistan State Oil gets Rs30 billion to avoid default

    The ECC after discussion directed Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to withdraw the summary and submit a fresh summary to rationalize price of paracetamol to ensure its availability.

    The summary presented by Ministry of National Food Security and Research regarding import of Wheat through Gwadar sea port was deferred by ECC.

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) presented a summary for allocation of funds for procurement and logistics of relief items for flood affectees and apprised about devastation caused by the recent floods in Pakistan. In order to provide immediate relief to the flood affectees, NDMA started procurement on emergency basis costing Rs. 2.4 billion.

    READ MORE: Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    Due to colossal damages, the already procured items are not sufficient viz-a-viz relief requirement in the flood affected areas.

    Therefore, NDMA placed orders for procurement of more items at cumulative cost of Rs. 7.113 billion, which are being procured in emergency to provide relief to affectees. Previously, NDMA was allocated Rs. 8 billion for procurement and logistics cost of relief items to the flood affectees.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    The amount was insufficient as the cost of only procurement has surpassed Rs. 9.5 billion. Besides procurement, NDMA is also undertaking logistics of all relief goods and materials provided by friendly countries.

    Foregoing in view, the ECC approved allocation of Rs. 10 billion to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with direction to the Finance Division to immediately release Rs. 5 billion to NDMA.

  • USC to disburse ration bags worth Rs540 million to flood victims

    USC to disburse ration bags worth Rs540 million to flood victims

    ISLAMABAD: Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will disburse 113,700 ration bags worth Rs540 million to the flood affected people across the country.

    In this regard the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved the grant in favor of the USC.

    Ministry of Industries and Production presented a summary for release of funds for Utility Stores Corporation for provision of essential commodities in flood affected areas.

    READ MORE: OTP requirement abolished for USC purchases

    The meeting was apprised that the Utility Stores Corporation, in collaboration with provincial governments, is actively participating in relief operation for supply of essential food items in flood affected areas across Pakistan.

    Due to emergency situation and based on the preliminary need assessment, 113,700 ration bags amounting to Rs. 540 million would be disbursed. Considering emergency situation, the ECC approved Supplementary/ Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 540 million in favour of Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

    READ MORE: ECC approves Ramzan relief package worth Rs8.28 bn

    Finance Mnister Miftah Ismail chaired the ECC meeting. Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, MNA/ex-PM, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Dr. Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Government Effectiveness, MD USC, MD PASSCO, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    Ministry of National Food Security & Research tabled a summary for allocation of PASSCO’s local and imported wheat sock among recipient agencies.

    READ MORE: USC, NBP complete integration for Ehsaas Rashan

    It was briefed that PASSCO serves as a strategic organization to procure wheat from Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan to build strategic reserves and to supply wheat to recipient agencies in case of emergency.

    Every year, on the request of recipient agencies, PASSCO makes allocation of wheat from its stocks. PASSCO held wheat stock of 2.499 MMT, including 1.232 MMT carry forward stocks.

    In view of above, the ECC allowed to supply PASSCO’s wheat among all recipients at 50 per cent local and 50 per cent imported.

    However, USC will be provided wheat at 75 per cent local and 25 per cent imported.

    All recipients including USC would pay full cost of wheat (local + imported) and incidental charges to PASSCO.

    READ MORE: USC automation to ease provision of targeted subsidy

    Ministry of Industries and Production presented a summary on Urea Fertilizer requirement for Rabi season 2022-23. The meeting was briefed on the demand and supply situation of Urea fertilizer for the Rabi season 2022-23.

    After detailed deliberation, the ECC allowed Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to initiate the process for import of 300,000 MT of Urea on G2G basis and decided the provinces to bear their subsidy share.

    The ECC approved funds amounting to Rs. 3 billion to NDMA to meet its growing expenditure on account of procurement of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the calamity stricken population across Pakistan.

    NDMA briefed the meeting that in the aftermath of devastation caused by floods across the country, millions of people have suffered in terms of loss of life, property, livestock and standing crops.

    NDMA was tasked by the Prime Minister to coordinate with PDMAs and to proactively undertake rescue and relief operation in the affected areas.

    The ECC also approved funds requirement of Rs. 1,009,480,191/- in favour of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & coordination for further transfer to Government of Afghanistan through approved mechanism for running cost/salary of the staff of three Pakistani hospitals in Afghanistan.

  • Pakistan State Oil gets Rs30 billion to avoid default

    Pakistan State Oil gets Rs30 billion to avoid default

    ISLAMABAD: An amount of Rs30 billion has been approved for Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to avoid payment default.

    The approval has been given at a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which was held in Islamabad on Sunday with Minister for Finance and Revenue Miftah Ismail in the chair.

    READ MORE: PSO posts massive growth of 245% in six months

    For the smooth continuity of oil and gas national supply chain and avoid PSO from being default on international payments, the ECC decided to clear the outstanding payments accumulated during the period of pervious government and approved an amount of Rs30 billion rupees as supplementary grant for PSO receivables.

    It was also decided in the meeting that Power Division will make immediate payments of the current outstanding amounts of Rs20 billion by tomorrow [August 01, 2022] and Rs12.8 billion by August 04, 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    The ECC also directed Finance Division and FBR to submit proposal for generation of Rs30 billion through taxes within a week.

    On another summary of Petroleum Division on price mechanism of petroleum products, the ECC accepted the proposal to use the average of exchange rate for the relevant period rather than the exchange rate of the last day for the current as well as future price determinations.

    READ MORE: ECC approves petroleum dealer margin at Rs7/liter

    The ECC directed Petroleum Division to work out options in consultation with OGRA for setting up petroleum product prices within a week.

    The ECC directed the Petroleum Division to submit a proposal within a week to regulate the prices of Kerosene Oil and Light Diesel Oil after consultation with relevant stakeholders.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

  • Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    Pakistan decides to lift ban on imported goods

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday decided to lift the ban imposed on imported goods except for Completely Built Unit (CBU) of motor vehicles, mobile phones and home appliances.

    A review meeting was held to review the ban after two months owing to serious concerns raised by major trading partners on the imposition of ban and considering the fact that the ban has impacted supply chains and domestic retail industry.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    In the light of fact that imports substantially reduced due to consistent efforts of the government, the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) decided to lift the ban on imported goods except for Auto CBU, Mobile CBU and Home Appliances CBU.

    The committee also decided that all held up consignments (except items which still remain in banned category) which arrived at the ports after July 01, 2022 may be cleared subject to payment of 25 per cent surcharge.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary on prohibition/complete quantitative restrictions on import of non-essential and luxury items.

    It was submitted that in order to curtail the rising current account deficit (CAD), ban on the import of about 33 classes/categories of goods was imposed with the approval of the Cabinet.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    Due to the decision, the overall imports of the banned items have shrunk by over 69 per cent i.e. from $ 399.4 million to $ 123.9 million.

    Recently, the ministry of commerce had imposed surcharge up to 15 per cent for clearance of consignments stuck up at ports and were banned for saving foreign exchange.

    The ministry of commerce issued an office memorandum dated July 22, 2022 pursuance to the federal cabinet decision to release the consignments of prohibited items.

    The government through SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 imposed a complete ban on the import of luxury and non-essential items.

    However, a large number of containers were stuck up at ports that were arrived after the imposition of ban.

    READ MORE: KCCI demands release of stuck up containers

    The Federal Cabinet on July 15, 2022 allowed the release of all those consignments/shipment which had been imported in violation of SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 and were pending customs clearance.

    However, this clearance was subject to condition that consignments had landed at any port including sea, air or dry port of the country on or before June 30, 2022 subject to payment of surcharge to be imposed on the cost and freight value of goods.

    According to the ministry of commerce, five per cent surcharge has been imposed on the shipment which had arrived within two weeks of issuance of the SRO 598(I)/2022.

    Further, 15 per cent surcharge has been imposed on shipment which had arrived after two weeks of issuance of SRO 598(I)/2022 till June 30, 2022.

    Due to the ban about one thousand containers piled up and resulted in choking the ports. The stakeholders requested the government to allow the release of those consignments as many of the consignments were shipped before May 19, 2022 but lander after the date.

    READ MORE: Committee recommends lifting import ban on luxury items

    Previously, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday July 5, 2022 allowed one-time release of those consignments carrying banned items and reached on or before June 30, 2022.

    Ministry of Commerce submitted a summary to seek permission for one time release of those consignments of items banned on May 19, 2022 which have reached Pakistan or would reach or their payments.

    In order to resolve the hardship cases, the ECC granted one-time special permission for release of consignments stuck at the ports due to contravention framed under SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022, only for those consignments which have landed at ports or airports in Pakistan on or before June 30, 2022.

  • ECC approves petroleum dealer margin at Rs7/liter

    ECC approves petroleum dealer margin at Rs7/liter

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has approved to fix petroleum dealers margin at Rs7 per liter for petrol and high speed diesel.

    The decision has been taken at a meeting of the ECC presided over by Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Thursday.

    The Petroleum Division submitted a summary on revision of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and dealers margins on petroleum products.

    READ MORE: Pakistan allows release of banned items stuck up at ports

    It was informed that the existing margins were fixed in December, 2021 and Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association has approached the government for immediate revision of their margins due to inflation, increase in tariff salaries and utility bills, etc.

    Federal Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood, Federal Minister for Power , Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi – MNA/ex-PM, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Masood Malik, Rana Ihsan Afzal, Coordinator to the PM on Commerce and Industry, Coordinator to the PM on Economy, Bial Azhar Kayani, Federal Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting.

    READ MORE: SBP makes permission mandatory for motor car import

    Ministry of National Food Security and Research submitted a summary on urgent advice relating to award of 4th International Wheat Tender 2022 opened on 25th July, 2022.

    It was informed that Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) issued 4th tender on 19-05-2022 for securing quantity of 200,000 MT of imported wheat on CFR basis.

    The tender was opened on 25-07-2022 wherein six (06) international suppliers participated, out of which 05 offered rates. The ECC after detailed discussion approved the lowest bid offered by M/s Falconbridge FZLLC@ US$ 407.49/MT CFR bulk on sight LC basis with direction to TCP to negotiate with the Russian authorities to procure wheat on lower rate subject to confirmation of the ECC.

    Ministry of Water Resources submitted a summary on compensation package for the Chinese causalities at Dasu Hydro Power project.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s import bill records over $80 bn in 2021/2022

    The ECC decided that the amount of compensation/ good will package will remain the same as per ECC’s earlier decision dated January 21,2022 ( i.e US$ 11.6 million) and approved disbursement of the compensation/goodwill amount directly to the company M/s China Gezhouba Group International Engineering Co. Ltd (CGGC) through Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Ministry of Industries and Production submitted a summary on issues faced by Fatima Fertilizer (Sheikhupura Plant) and Agritech.

    Both the SNGPL based plants are operated by provisioning of RLNG on cost sharing basis. Gas rate for operation of these plants is worked out on the basis of Variable Contribution Margin (VCM).

    Due to price increase in fuel prices and other factors, both plants have approached M/o I&P for revision of VCM and capping of GST at the price paid by the plants.

    READ MORE: CMOs worry over power outages, 100% cash margin on imports

    The ECC after discussion approved the proposal to ensure compliance with the earlier decision of the ECC and the Federal Cabinet of shifting both the plants to indigenous gas.

    The committee further directed Ministries of Petroleum, Finance, National Food Security and Industries & production to work out the gas price/VCM for the Fertilizers. The ECC also decided that Sales tax may be charged on the actual price of the gas being paid by the company.

  • Gas price hike to further push up inflation

    Gas price hike to further push up inflation

    KARACHI: The recent approval by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to increase the prices of gas will further push up the inflation, analysts said.

    The country is already facing the alarming rise in inflation following sure in prices of petroleum products and electricity tariff.

    The analysts at AKD Securities said that ECC approved hike in gas tariff after a break of almost two years, which was last increased in October 2020.

    READ MORE: Gas price hike report baseless: Musadiq Malik

    “The latest increase will put further pressure on already sky rocketing inflation, as manufacturers are likely to pass on the impact, resulting in higher product prices and slowdown in demand,” the analysts said.

    However, the aforementioned hike will put brake on ballooning gas circular debt, which currently stands at Rs1.23 trillion. As per new flows, the move will generate Rs666 billion in revenue for gas distribution companies.

    Export oriented sector including textile companies will also feel the pinch of this increase as the proposed hike for these sector stands at 77 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively.

    This development will severely impact country’s exports due to rise in manufacturing cost and higher financing rate.

    READ MORE: Govt. halts gas supply to export industry: APTMA

    The proposed weighted average gas prices for domestic consumers stands at Rs885/mmbtu, up by 90 per cent. The government has also made some changes in domestic slabs which has now reduced to 5 as compare to 7 slabs earlier.

    The gas bill of consumers who are using gas up to 400 cubic meter are likely to be affected most, due to increase of 253 per cent in tariff.

    They said that the inflationary impact of the said development will be 66 basis points on Month on Month (MoM) basis, taking average inflation to 21.5 per cent for the current fiscal year.

    READ MORE: FBR exempts sales tax on oxygen gas import

    The gas tariff for fertilizer plants is proposed to increase by 42 per cent and 82 per cent for feed and fuel gas, respectively. As per estimates, this will increase cost of urea manufacturing by Rs420/bag for FFC, while the increase for EFERT is Rs340/bag, due to its reliance on PP12 based gas pricing.

    The manufacturers are likely to pass on any increase in gas tariff as they have already increased urea price by Rs350/bag on 1st July.

    The increase in gas prices is expected to bode well for the E&P sector, including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI), as this would lead to improved cash collection for the companies in lieu of gas supply.

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    As of March 2022 quarter end, OGDC’s receivables from SNGP stood at Rs142.42 million (Rs33.11/sh), whereas those from SSGC stood at Rs163.58 million (Rs38.03/sh). Similarly, PPL’s receivables stood at Rs141 million (Rs51.82/sh) from SSGC and Rs181.8 million (Rs66.81/sh) from SNGP. Whereas MARI’s receivables stand at Rs5.9 million (Rs44.90/sh) from SSGC and Rs8.3 million (Rs61.90/sh) from SNGP.

    Due to liquidity issues, the companies have historically faced challenges in expanding their exploration activities. During 9MFY22, 61 per cent of PPL’s total sales were derived from SNGP and SSGC, hence PPL stands to be a major beneficiary of the proposal gas price hike.

    The much waited tariff increase is a positive development for gas distribution companies as it will improve their cash flows. Similarly, this will provide a breath of fresh air to E&P sector in the form better liquidity, thus allowing them to expand their exploration activities.

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