The government is preparing to withdraw the decision to increase the electricity tariff for people consuming up to 200 units per month, sources said on Monday.
The prime minister issued directives to seek approval of the summary from the federal cabinet on an emergency basis, the sources said, adding that from July to September, customers who use 200 units per month are proposed to be given relief.
The federal government will give Rs50 billion subsidy to ensure relief to the poor tariff, the insiders maintained.
The federal cabinet approved an increase in the basic tariff a few days ago by fixing the basic electricity unit price for domestic consumers at Rs48. 84.
After sales tax, the electricity price per unit will go up to Rs57.63. After adjustments and taxes, the electrify unit price will exceed Rs65.
After the cabinet’s approval, the monthly tariff of non-projected domestic consumers from one to 100 units will increase by Rs 7.11 to Rs 23.59.
The monthly tariff of up to 200 units will cost Rs30.07 per unit while the per unit price for the electricity bill of up to 300 units consumer will be Rs 34.26, up to 400 units consumer will pay Rs 39.15 per unit.
The monthly tariff per unit of up to 500 units will increase to Rs 41.36, 600 units Rs42.78, 700 units Rs43.92. The electricity price per unit for lifeline consumers using 50 units will remain at Rs 3.95 while Rs 7.74 per unit for consumers using up to 100 units per month.
As the coalition government took over, the people have been making a litany of complaints about inflation. People have been complaining that there is more uncertainty on the horizon as electricity prices in Pakistan have been soaring.
Many people have been forced to seek additional income, following sharp increases in the prices of essential commodities and electricity bills. The government has been blaming the issue on the previous regime.
Though authorities announced a comprehensive campaign to curb power pilferage and control line losses, the common persons have not received a sigh of relief.