PHOTO: FILE
The power shortages have sparked violent protests and crippled key industries, costing hundreds of thousands of jobs in a country already beset by high unemployment, a failing economy, widespread poverty and a Taliban insurgency.
The loadshedding means many families cannot pump water, let alone run air-conditioners, with a disastrous knock-on effect on health and domestic life.
Caretaker Ministers Musadiq Malik and Sohail Wajahat Siddiqui "expressed their inability to overcome the crisis", the Daily Times quoted them as telling a news conference in Lahore, where the temperature was 40 C on Monday.
"They have termed financial constraints as a major, and incompetence as a minor, hurdle in resolving the issue," the newspaper said.
"Presenting the realistic picture, the ministers announced that they were going to increase the price of electricity and gas for all sectors."
They gave no details but said the problem would get worse before it gets better.
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Until such time that the chronic and perpetual defaulters are made to pay their electricity bills, any increase in the price would not solve the problem. In fact, those paying their bills are subsidizing those who are not paying their bills. Both are not getting electricity that they need but the ones paying their bills have no incentive. It must start with the public sector clearing its dues immediately. Anti "kunda connection" and anti corruption drive must be forcefully implemented without prejudice and fear.
I think the caretaker government can recover outstanding dues from defaulters and reduce line losses. This can bring huge amount to pay the IPPs and other power producers. The defaults from various governments agencies and departments can be deducted at source when releasing funds to provinces. Suggest not to burden the already suppressed people. In one of the presentation given to Petroleum Minister, it was observed that gas line losses are 11% as against standard of 3%. Let's pluck the leakages and save masses from passing to honest consumers.
How much further are they going to raise the prices? The prevailing consumer rate of Rs.13.xx is the same as in many American states. If Americans can manage those rates without subsidies, and with much higher wages, why is it so difficult for us to accomplish the same? Even Israel, which has no fossil fuels is able to provide electricity at around Rs.14.5/kWh.
Joys of paper currencies. Devalue rupee to finance government but complain when you cannot buy oil from the same devalued currency.