ISLAMABAD (Web Desk Monitoring) — The government of Pakistan has sanctioned an increase in energy costs at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), raising the basic electricity tariff by Rs5.72 per unit.
This decision, impacting millions of consumers, especially those with lower incomes, follows previous increases of Rs7.50 in the last financial year and Rs7.91 per unit in the fiscal year 2022-23.
Media reports indicate that the federal cabinet approved the tariff hike through a circulation summary. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) had recommended this increase, averaging Rs5.72 per unit, to the government. Once the federal cabinet’s decision is forwarded to Nepra, a uniform tariff will likely be established.
Moreover, the government has introduced fixed monthly charges ranging from Rs200 to Rs1,000 for residential consumers, adding further financial strain.
Upon Nepra’s approval, the federal government will issue a notification to implement the new tariff increase. The decision is expected to impose an additional burden of approximately Rs600 billion on electricity consumers. Nepra’s decision will affect the basic electricity tariff for the fiscal year 2024-25, with the approved increase scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2024, according to reports.
