At a time when the people are already overburdened and facing the consequences of the alarming increase in inflation, there is a proposal to increase the power rate by 80 paisas per unit under Quarterly Adjustment of Tariff, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

In this connection, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has been requested to consider and approve this price hike. The final decision would be taken after a hearing to be held by NEPRA on November 24.

A total amount of Rs82.69 billion is to be collected from consumers in a year if the NEPRA decides to approve the tariff increase.

Earlier on Monday, the NEPRA had notified an increase of Rs0.48 per unit in power tariff on account of the fuel cost adjustment for the month of August which would be applicable to all consumer categories except for lifeline consumers.

Reacting to the decision, the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) demanded the government to reverse the move immediately, terming it detrimental for industries and businesses.

The SCCI warned that the price hike would affect the manufacturing sector the most by increasing the cost of doing business.