Top court asks authorities to reduce petroleum prices, loadshedding

SC says nine percent tax on CNG is excessive, unlawful.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday announced its verdict in the load-shedding and petroleum prices case and ordered the relevant authorities to reduce power outages and petroleum tariff, Express News reported.

The decision was made by a three-member bench in Islamabad.

While announcing the verdict, the court stated that the National Electronic Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) should install smart meters for their customers. It also said that Nepra was not playing its role in ensuring low prices for consumers.

The bench further said that loadshedding should be reduced in residential, commercial and agricultural sectors.

The court also ordered that subsidies on petroleum products should not be removed and that their prices should be determined based on the rates in world market.

Additionally, the court declared the collection of 9% tax on compressed natural gas (CNG) unlawful.