In the coming months, a significant increase in electricity bills is expected, which will further burden the inflation-weary public, as reported by national media on Friday.
According to details, the discounted electricity package introduced by the Government of Pakistan to provide relief to electricity consumers is now in its final stages, as many of the included benefits are set to expire by the end of this month.
Sources revealed that the relief of Rs. 1.55 per unit, provided under the third quarter adjustment of the previous fiscal year, will end at the end of July. Prior to this, the relief of Rs. 4.51 per unit had already been withdrawn, which included a Rs. 3.61 per unit reduction specifically for consumers in Karachi.
Additionally, the relief of Rs. 1.90 per unit under the second quarter adjustment and a Rs. 1.71 per unit reduction in the petroleum levy also expired in the month of June.
Furthermore, the Rs. 0.90 per unit relief available only to DISCOs (distribution companies) consumers under the Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) has also ended.
Currently, consumers are receiving minor relief through a slight reduction in the base tariff and partial relief via monthly adjustments. However, government sources say that these facilities are also gradually being phased out, which could result in a potential increase in electricity rates, placing additional strain on the public.
It is worth noting that on April 3, the Prime Minister had announced a reduction of Rs. 7.41 per unit in electricity rates for domestic consumers, after which the federal government reduced the base tariff by Rs. 1.16 per unit and monthly adjustment by Rs. 0.50 per unit.
Economists say that if this relief is completely withdrawn, electricity bills could rise significantly in the coming months, causing further difficulties for a public already struggling with inflation.
