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Pakistan seals off capital, blocks cellphones ahead of protest by Imran Khan’s party

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By Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Authorities in Pakistan sealed off the capital, Islamabad, and blocked cellphone services on Friday to prevent an anti-government rally by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, officials said.

It would be the latest in a series of protest rallies since last month to press for Khan’s release and agitate against the ruling coalition government, which the party calls illegitimate, saying it was formed after a fraudulent election.

Shipping containers have been placed to block Islamabad’s entry and exit points, guarded by large numbers of police and paramilitary troops, the officials said, while police banned any gathering in the capital.

“If someone plans to storm Islamabad, we wouldn’t let that happen,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told a news conference late on Thursday.

He urged Khan’s party to shift the rally to later dates, to avoid disrupting Islamabad’s preparations to host a meeting of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) on Oct. 15 and Oct. 16.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is visiting, to be followed by a high-profile Saudi delegation and Chinese Premier Li Qiang ahead of the conference, Naqvi said, adding, “We can’t allow any chaos.”

Any agitation in the capital would not send a good signal to the world ahead of the conference, Naqvi said.

Disregarding the appeal, Khan asked his supporters to gather outside parliament regardless of obstacles.

“I want you all to reach D-Chowk today for a peaceful protest rally,” he posted on X on Friday, referring to a spot outside parliament. “This war has entered a decisive phase.”

Even though Khan has been in jail since Aug 2023, candidates backed by him won the most seats in February’s general election, though their numbers were insufficient to form a government.

His opponents, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formed a coalition government instead.

In a statement on Friday, Islamabad police warned they would take action against anyone attempting to disturb the peace in the capital, adding that any gathering had been banned.

Schools were shut and cellphone services suspended in Islamabad and the adjacent garrison city of Rawalpindi.

A telecoms official said cellphone services were blocked on directions from the interior ministry. A ministry spokesman did not respond to a request for a comment.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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Port-Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

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December 21, 2024

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Port-Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational
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PRESS RELEASE

Port-Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down.

We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.

Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing.

Members of the public are advised to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip-off Nigerians.

Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja

21st December, 2024

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Competition is affecting Dangote Refinery, Dangote is ready to sell on Credit to any marketer that can buy a truck and the marketer will get the second truck on credit.

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December 19, 2024

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Dangote Refinery faces competition from several sources, including: 

  • Fuel importers
    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) continues to issue licenses for refined product imports, which can make it harder for Dangote to meet local demand. 

  • Marketers
    Marketers have different views on whether to pay Dangote in advance for petrol. Some say that advance payments can put financial pressure on marketers, especially those with limited capital. Others say that advance payments are necessary to ensure the refinery’s operations run smoothly. 

  • Legal disputes
    Oil marketers are in a legal dispute with Dangote over the refinery’s request to restrict import licenses. 

  • Direct purchasing
    Marketers can now purchase petrol directly from Dangote Refinery and other local refineries. This allows marketers to negotiate commercial terms directly with the refineries, which can create a more competitive market environment. 

The start of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other refineries has increased transparency and market competition in West Africa. 

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Yuletide: Dangote Refinery slashes petrol price to N899.50

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December 19, 2024

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit to N899.50 per litre, in a bid to offer Nigerians some relief as the holiday season approaches.

The refinery had previously cut the price to N970 per litre on November 24.

The latest reduction aims to ease transportation costs during the festive period, a time when Nigerians often face increased travel expenses.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, on Thursday.

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