ISLAMABAD – The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved an increase in electricity prices in Pakistan. The hike, which amounts to 40 paisas per unit, is attributed to adjustments in fuel costs. This change was announced on November 8th, 2023, and will be reflected in the bills for November.
The fuel cost adjustment pertains to the consumption for September 2023, as stated in an official notification. However, it’s important to note that the revised prices will not apply to Lifeline and K-Electric consumers, according to the same notification.
In addition to the electricity price hike, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) also announced a substantial 172 percent increase in natural gas prices for non-protected domestic users. The new prices will take effect from November 1, 2023.
For the protected category, a fixed charge of Rs400 per MMBtu will be applicable. On the other hand, non-protected category consumers will pay a fixed charge of Rs1,000 for up to 1.5 hm3 and Rs2,000 if their consumption exceeds 1.5 hm3.
Furthermore, Ogra has announced a Rs100 per MMBtu increase for those consuming up to 25 hm3 per month, raising the previous per MMBtu price to Rs300. For customers consuming up to 60 hm3 in a month, the per MMBtu price has been increased to Rs600 from the previous Rs300. Customers with up to 100 hm3 per month consumption will now pay Rs1000 per MMBtu, marking a Rs600 increase for this slab.
These price hikes come at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, and they are expected to add to the financial burden of the citizens. The authorities have yet to comment on any potential relief measures for the affected consumers.
