FLASHNEWS:

PSX Market Sees Minor Changes Amid Regional Declines; Fuel Prices Climb Locally

Karachi, The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded marginal shifts in the KSE100 and KSE30 indices amid a backdrop of generally declining markets across the region. The KSE100 index saw a slight drop while the KSE30 experienced a nominal gain. Meanwhile, domestic fuel prices saw significant hikes, with petrol and diesel reaching new highs since October 2023 due to adjustments in refinery costs and international fuel market changes.

According to JS Global, the KSE100 index dropped by 60.92 points, closing at 70,483.66, marking a -0.09% change from the previous day. In contrast, the KSE30 index saw an increase of 11.48 points, finishing at 23,202.56, a 0.05% rise. The overall market capitalization of PSX also decreased slightly by -0.12% to stand at 9,812.73 billion rupees. This mixed performance in the indices comes amid general downturns in regional markets, with most Asian indices reporting losses.

On the commodities front, the petrol price in Pakistan has been adjusted upwards by Rs 4.5 per liter, reaching Rs 293.94, primarily driven by a Rs 3.08 increase in the ex-refinery price and a Rs 1.45 hike in the Infrastructure Development Cess (IFEM). Similarly, the diesel price also increased by Rs 8 per liter due to an Rs 8.29 surge in the ex-refinery cost. These changes reflect broader trends in global oil markets and local tax structures.

The report by JS Global provides a detailed analysis of these shifts and suggests that the upcoming financial measures and global economic indicators will likely influence the PSX's direction and fuel pricing strategies in the coming months.