PSX records thin gains in volatile session

The KSE-100 finished Monday at 166,564.07, up 154.81 points, or 0.09%, after a sharp intraday slide and subsequent rebound, The Express Tribune reported. The index fell as low as 165,776.85 around midday and later reached 166,989.76, with trading reflecting conflicting market signals. Global oil prices dropped by more than 4% amid renewed diplomatic hopes over the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, easing concern about energy costs and Pakistan’s import bill.

Arif Habib Limited described the session as a subdued start to the week, with 41 shares advancing and 58 declining. Mari Energies gained 3.15%, while Fauji Fertiliser and Engro Holdings also supported the benchmark; Attock Refinery, OGDC and PSO were among its largest drags. Refinery shares hit their lower limits after the government shifted the added cost of petrol imports onto local refiners rather than consumers. Although the ex-refinery motor spirit rate rose Rs15.13 to Rs282.26 per litre, cuts to the petroleum levy and inland freight equalisation margin kept the ex-depot rate unchanged at Rs377.91.