Govt 'fails to sway IMF' on power tax cut

The government has been unsuccessful in convincing the IMF to agree to a reduction in sales tax on electricity bills.

According to sources, the IMF rejected a request from Ministry of Energy, which had asked for a reduction in sales tax to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

The government had sought the money lender's opinion on the proposed reduction in sales tax.

According to sources, the IMF maintained that under the current loan programme news tax exemptions could not be granted.