Entertainment
PSO attracts bids for two petrol cargoes amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
- Bids valid until Mar 13; PSO must respond before the deadline expires.
- Agricultural machinery expected to increase fuel consumption.
- Diesel stocks sufficient for 20 days, demand to rise with harvest season.
Amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has received bids from international traders for two petrol cargoes, each weighing 55,000 metric tons with a 92 RON rating, as the country works to secure supplies amid fluctuating global fuel prices.
Sources indicate that for the first cargo, OQ Trading submitted the lowest bid with a Cost and Freight (CFR) premium of $17.8 per barrel. Be Energy SA offered a CFR premium of $22 per barrel, while Vitol Bahrain E.C. quoted the highest premium at $39 per barrel, The News reported.
For the second cargo of the same quantity, only two bidders participated. Once again, OQ Trading emerged as the lowest bidder, offering a CFR premium of $19.5 per barrel, while Be Energy SA submitted a bid of $23.5 per barrel. Officials noted that the lowest bids for both cargoes are still considered relatively high.
Officials said the bids were received under the rules of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which governs public sector procurement in Pakistan. However, authorities noted that the strict tendering procedures sometimes contribute to higher procurement costs, particularly during periods of volatility in international energy markets.
The bids will remain valid until March 13, meaning the PSO must respond to the bidders and finalise its decision before the deadline expires.
Sources also revealed that the PSO failed to receive any bids for a high-speed diesel cargo, as the traders quoted a CFR premium of around $80 per barrel, which was deemed excessively high. Due to daily fluctuations in international petroleum prices, the suppliers were reluctant to offer competitive bids within the validity period.
Meanwhile, Total Parco Pakistan Limited, an oil marketing company, has arranged a cargo of Euro-II specification diesel at a premium of $20 per barrel and is seeking government approval for the import. The PSO, however, typically imports Euro-V specification diesel, which meets stricter environmental standards.
Officials said Pakistan’s diesel stocks are currently sufficient for about 20 days, but the demand is expected to increase next month with the start of the harvesting season, when agricultural machinery significantly raises fuel consumption.
Given the anticipated surge in demand from the agriculture sector, authorities stressed that arranging diesel supplies at affordable prices will be crucial to ensure uninterrupted farming operations and maintain stability in the domestic fuel market.
Entertainment
Prince William, Kate Middleton anniversary picture includes surprise guests
Prince William and Princess Kate delighted their well-wishers by including two special members of the Wales team.
April 29 is the day when William and Catherine exchanged vows. Today, the powerful royal couple is celebrating 15 years of their beautiful chapter, their marriage.
Kensington Palace released an adorable photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales to celebrate a significant milestone. The image also included their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
But it is not the only highlight of the Waleses’ new post. The future King and Queen added their dogs, beloved cocker spaniel Orla and another unnamed dog was there.
William and Kate’s team penned alongside the new image, “Celebrating 15 years of marriage.”
One fan wrote in the comments section, “Congratulations and wishing you many years of happiness!”
“O, my God! This photo is perfection!” another social media user expressed excitement.
Entertainment
Wales rugby star George North drops major career update that shocks fans
Wales rugby icon George North has shared a major career update that has left fans shocked.
The 34-year-old North drops the bombshell announcement in a video message on X (formerly Twitter) on April 29, 2026.
Wales star North announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) North said, “Hi guys, I just want to come on here and let you know at the end of the season I’ll be retiring.”
George then went on to explain his retirement decision: “For me, it’s the right time. I’ve been able to live out my childhood dream for many seasons playing with some of the best players, coaches and the staff behind.”
George North started his career with Scarlets and joined Northampton Saints in 2013, where he was instrumental in winning the Premiership.
The wing-turned-center switched to Ospreys in 2018, where he stayed for five years before moving to French side Provence.
Reflecting on his rugby career, North added, “I can’t thank my family, my friends and you guys enough for the support you’ve shown me over the years. Honestly it’s meant the world to me.”
While hinting at life’s next move, he said, “The next chapter? Still working on that one, but I’m excited to see where that journey takes me.
“So again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Diolch.”
North won 121 caps and scored 47 tries for his country, as well as helping Wales win the Six Nations and two Grand Slams.
Entertainment
Anne Hathaway addresses ‘Devil Wears Prada 2′ body diversity debate
Anne Hathaway is setting the record straight after the internet turned a behind-the-scenes moment from The Devil Wears Prada 2 into full-blown fashion drama.
The actress recently found herself at the center of viral headlines after Meryl Streep revealed Hathaway pushed producers to include more size-inclusive models in a major scene.
Some people online somehow translated that into: models were fired.
According to Hathaway? Absolutely not.
“Nobody lost their jobs, in fact, it created more jobs,” she explained during an appearance on Good Morning America.
The actress said the whole thing started as a quick observation on set after noticing most of the models cast fit the traditional runway mold.
“I thought the scene would be so much more enjoyable for the audience if we had just a wider range of bodies on display,” Hathaway said. “Because all different shapes are beautiful.”
Simple. Logical. Very Andy Sachs-with-a-backbone.
Hathaway added that producers immediately agreed once she brought it up. “They were the ones who made it happen in like an hour.”
And apparently there’s another major detail fans are now obsessing over: a mystery song written by Lady Gaga for the film.
“There’s a song that Lady Gaga wrote and it’s a beautiful, amazing song,” Hathaway teased. “Isn’t it better when you see so many different types of bodies up there with that?”
Honestly? Miranda Priestly would probably still judge everyone equally.
But this time around, the runway is making room for more than one body type – and Hathaway seems pretty proud of that.
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