This will be implemented on those people who consume 200 units or more of electricity. The increase in electricity tariff is one of the requirements of the loan deal by the IMF.
It is not necessary for the Parliament to approve this decision.
Earlier, the electricity tariff for the agriculture sector was also increased and the subsidy for the sector was cut. This was done as a requirement for the initial reimbursement of the loan given by the IMF.
Also, there was a sudden increase in electricity tariff on the textile industry along with several other adverse factors which would render the value added textile sector noncompetitive in the international market against vigorous competitors such India, China, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka and other competing countries whose cost of doing business is much lower owing to several subsidies.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated that the new tariff will apply to consumers of less than 200 units of electricity. The correction has been made.
COMMENTS (11)
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Squeezing the consumers and penalizing the voters !
Yet to see clear transparent strategy, plan of action and sense of urgency - same Royal Lip Service and Standard Rhetoric.
Government does not even incentivising for consumers to investment in Solar / Alternative Energy - domestic, commercial, industrial consumer ...
Shah sb. we still have a long way to go to make solar power cost effective for home users. A simple 12V battery needs 250W solar pannel, for charging + charge controller & inverter. The cost of one W = (75-190)= 250 X 130 (avg) = 32,500/- + 10,500/- (controller,wires ect) = 43,000/-. This is for charging during day time only. Personally, I think it is not feasible at this time in home sector unless the price comes down or the cost of electricity gows up.
The photo file caption is still incorrect.
The headline says increase is for those who consume LESS than 200 units while actual news item says that increase is for those who consume MORE than 200 units - which makes more sense.
ET proof readers where are ou? Please correct the headline.
Gutsy move so long as proper efforts are made to collect electrical rates. Pakistan will never resolve it's energy shortage while subsidizing energy use - higher rates will force conservation which will help resolve the energy crisis.
@Shahzad: Sir, 9k or 10k salaried person uses less than 200, rates are not increased for him. period.
@Shahzad You should consider reducing your energy usage. People earning 9,000 are not using A.C.s and leaving lights/fans on 24 hrs cause its too much bother turning them on and off. Government has proved incompetent at increasing cheap production but it makes no sense in subsidizing electricity (which benefits upper middle class on the backs of poor) while there is severe shortage.
I earn a decent salary, near 1 lac PKR/month and I live in Islamabad and I am telling you that electricity is fast going out of my reach, you can well imagine of an average Pakistani earning 9,000-10,000/month. Already 10%, then 20% and now 30%, I think in coming days they would have surplus energy as very few would be able to afford it to use at such high costs.Roshan Pakistan paindabad.
Not less than 200... its more than 200 units.. please correct the news.