Business

Gold climbs as investors evaluate prospects for US-Iran deal

Published

3 months ago

May 25, 2026

Bilal

Prices of the black stuff surged more than 1% on Monday, aided by a weaker dollar and falling oil prices as investors considered the chances of a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran peace discussions.

Spot gold gained 1.1% to $4,559.29 per ounce as of 0359 GMT. U.S. gold futures for June delivery rose 0.8% to $4,560.30.

The dollar declined, making greenback-priced bullion more cheap for holders of other currencies.Trump has stoked market hopes of some type of deal with Iran that may see the Strait of Hormuz reopened. “The prospect has weighed on oil prices and, by extension, given gold a welcome lift from an inflation perspective,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had told his representatives not to rush into any deal with Iran, as his administration played down expectations of an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old battle.

Trump declared a day earlier that Washington and Iran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding for a peace accord that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices dropped to two-week lows on Monday on hope that the U.S. and Iran were moving closer towards a peace accord even as both countries remained at odds over critical issues.

Oil prices affect inflation expectations. Higher crude can stoke inflation and keep rates higher for longer. Gold is seen as a hedge against inflation, although higher rates tend to weigh on the non-yielding metal.

Kevin Warsh was sworn in Friday as chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve at a critical time for an American economy buffeted by increasing gasoline costs that are feeding inflation and eating into consumer confidence because of the war with Iran.

Silver was up 2.8% at $77.61 an ounce, platinum gained 1.9% to $1,958.35 and palladium climbed 2.3% to $1,379.31.

Business

Dealers’ margin on petrol, diesel rises 14pc

Published

27 minutes ago

August 22, 2026

Bilal

The dealers’ margin on petrol and diesel has been increased by 14 per cent with immediate effect and Rs1.34 per litre allowed for the dealers of both petroleum products.

The dealers’ profit has gone up from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre following the hike.

The rise in the dealers’ margin is effective from immediately.

The government had raised the price of fuel by Rs3.81 a litre the previous nite, bringing its new price to Rs341.59 a litre.

Likewise, the price of high-speed diesel was increased by Rs3.59 per litre, with the new price set at Rs368.29 per litre.

Business

Pakistan hikes fuel price by Rs3.81, diesel by Rs3.59 per litre

Published

1 hour ago

August 22, 2026

Bilal

The government has again hiked prices of fuel and high speed diesel and announced the new rates that would be effective for three days from Aug 22 to Aug 24.

An official statement said on Friday that the fuel price has been increased by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59 per litre.

The price of high-speed diesel has also been raised by Rs3.59 per litre and the new price is Rs368.29 per litre.

The new tariffs will be effective from Aug 22 and will be valid till Aug 24.

The newest move comes after another change in petroleum prices as the government is revising fuel costs more often under its new pricing methodology.

Petrol and diesel costs remain significant to consumers and businesses as they directly effect household spending, transport and economic activity.

With the recent rise, a consumer buying 40 litres of fuel will now spend roughly Rs13,664, while filling a 50-litre tank will cost around Rs17,080 at the new rate.

High speed diesel has wider impact on economy through its wide use in transportation of commodities, agriculture and commercial vehicles. Higher diesel prices can raise freight and logistics costs, which can increase the cost of moving key commodities and other goods.