Consumers hit as prices of daily goods surge in Pakistan, shopkeepers blame petrol costs

IANS | March 12, 2026 1:30 PM

Islamabad, March 12 (IANS) Retailers in big cities of Pakistan have raised prices of confectionery and other daily-use commodities, including fresh fruits, citing the recent rise in petroleum prices, although the majority of the shops were still selling existing stock purchased at older prices, local media reported on Thursday. This has raised serious concerns for the consumers.

AI boom needs power surge, says US energy chief

IANS | March 12, 2026 9:45 AM

Washington, March 12 (IANS) The United States must rapidly expand electricity generation and modernise its power grid to sustain the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said, warning that decades of under-investment in energy infrastructure could constrain the country’s technological ambitions.