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Rs107b price differential claims remain unpaid | The Express Tribune

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Rs107b price differential claims remain unpaid | The Express Tribune


Since July 22, numerous unauthorised exchange outlets have been closed after the military intelligence agency summoned currency dealers to address the rising dollar rate in the open market. photo: file


ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s oil marketing companies (OMCs) are facing an acute liquidity crisis as up to Rs107 billion in unpaid price differential claims (PDCs) remains stuck, with industry players accusing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) of repeatedly shifting documentation requirements instead of clearing dues.

Industry estimates show the first claim of around Rs27 billion filed in mid-March was only partially settled, while subsequent claims worth Rs70-80 billion remain entirely unpaid. The cumulative exposure has left companies operating on razor-thin margins and struggling to sustain the cash flow.

Officials say the issue is not transparency but unpredictability. Each time OMCs move to comply, Ogra introduces fresh documentation demands – from invoice-level reconciliations to repeated CEO, CFO and auditor certifications – effectively resetting the process. A revised format was circulated as recently as Monday night, with no clarity on whether further changes will follow. “Each time the industry prepares to comply, a new requirement arrives. There is no finishing line in sight,” a senior industry source said, noting that some audit firms may refuse involvement as the requirements fall outside of the standard audit scope.

The situation may worsen if Ogra proceeds with a proposal to withhold 10% of PDC payments until tax reconciliation with the Federal Board of Revenue – a move that could lock up another Rs7.4 billion for up to two months.

PDCs arise when the government caps fuel prices below procurement cost and the difference needs to be reimbursed. Delays force OMCs to bridge the gap through borrowing, which adds to the financial strain.

Industry officials warn the crisis could soon translate into fuel supply disruptions if the liquidity continues to erode. The sector has urged the Ministry of Energy to intervene and has called for immediate settlement of dues, a single documentation framework and withdrawal of the proposed move to withhold some of the PDC.



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Cardigan: Concerns for ‘prettiest’ high street famed for Independent shops

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Cardigan: Concerns for ‘prettiest’ high street famed for Independent shops



Shops, cafes and restaurants in Cardigan say increasing costs and low footfall are making it harder.



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Adani group stocks rise up to 13%, add Rs 96,000 crore to market cap; what’s driving the rally? – The Times of India

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Adani group stocks rise up to 13%, add Rs 96,000 crore to market cap; what’s driving the rally? – The Times of India


Adani group stocks surged up to 13% on Wednesday after Gautam Adani moved a US court seeking dismissal of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) civil case. The move has boosted investor sentiment across Adani Group firms.The rally followed a development in a New York federal court, where lawyers representing Gautam Adani said that they would seek dismissal of the case, arguing there was no credible evidence to support allegations of a bribery scheme, Reuters reported.The US District Court also granted a pre-motion conference in the matter, adding to market optimism.Which stocks surged?Shares of major Adani Group companies saw sharp gains during the session. Adani Green Energy jumped as much as 13% to hit an intraday high of Rs 1,046 on the BSE, while Adani Enterprises rose around 11% to Rs 2,090.Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone also gained significantly, while other group stocks including Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Power, Adani Total Gas, ACC and Ambuja Cements rose to 8%, according to ET.The sharp rally added nearly Rs 96,000 crore to the total market capitalisation of Adani Group companies during the day.What is the case about?The SEC had charged Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, in November 2024, alleging they orchestrated a scheme to pay or promise hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to Indian government officials to benefit Adani Green Energy.The case is also linked to allegations that the company failed to disclose the scheme in documents related to a $750 million bond offering in 2021.In their court filing, the Adanis’ lawyers argued that the claims were “impermissibly extraterritorial,” highlighting that the alleged actions took place in India and the bonds were not traded on any US exchange.They also said there was no intent to defraud or negligence and no direct involvement of the Adanis in the bond offering.Investor sentiment was also supported by a positive outlook for Adani Green Energy. Global brokerage Macquarie maintained an “outperform” rating on the stock and raised its target price to Rs 1,320, implying a potential upside of around 43%.The brokerage cited strong capacity additions and projected robust growth, with EBITDA expected to grow at over 25% CAGR over the next five years.In addition, easing global tensions after the Iran-US ceasefire and a sharp fall in crude oil prices boosted broader market sentiment, lifting both Sensex and Nifty by around 4% and supporting gains across Adani Group stocks.Adani Group’s lawyers have said that they will formally seek a ‌dismissal of the case by April 30.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)



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UK house prices fall as Iran war uncertainty dampens demand

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UK house prices fall as Iran war uncertainty dampens demand


“Concerns about higher energy prices have pushed up inflation expectations, which in turn led to a rise in mortgage rates, reducing confidence that interest rates will be cut this year and dampening the initial momentum in the market seen at the start of the year.”



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