Cash-strapped Sri Lanka’s economy recorded falling consumer prices for the first time in 39 years, official data showed on Monday, with the September inflation figure dipping to negative 0.5 per cent. Census and Statistics Department data showed price drops in both food and non-food goods contributing to deflation in September, compared to inflation of 0.5pc in August. Sri Lanka last recorde
The federal government on Monday slashed the petrol price by Rs2.07 and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs3.4 per litre for the next fortnight. “The federal government continues to provide relief to the people. The price of petroleum products has decreased once again,” said a statement issued by state broadcaster PTV. It said the new petrol price was now Rs247.03 and that of HSD was Rs246
Amid objections from stakeholders in the telecom sector, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) on Monday held the first hearing for Phase II review of the PTCL’s 100 per cent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd (TP) and Orion Towers Pvt Ltd (OT). The hearing was presided over by CCP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, along with members Salman Amin and Abdul Rashid Sheikh. Senior Counse
Revenue collection surged to Rs1.10 trillion in September, raising expectations that the shortages from the previous two months would be bridged in the second quarter of 2024-25. In September, tax collection exceeded the monthly target of Rs1.098tr by just Rs2 billion. The Rs98bn shortfall in the first two months of FY25 has now been reduced to Rs96bn. The revenue collection in September saw
In a rare move, the government on Monday opted for a buyback of costly treasury bills worth Rs351 billion at a much lower rate, saving over Rs11.5bn in profit. Bankers described it as a smart move by the government to save money. Through the buyback, the government repurchased six- and 12-month papers. These papers were originally sold at rates between 20 and 21 per cent; the government bought