The federal government has announced withdrawal of increase in the electricity tariff for consumers who use up to 200 units per month, sources said on Tuesday. They added that the prime minister got the approval from the cabinet. From July to September 2024, relief will be given to consumers up to 200 units per month. The federal government will give Rs50 billion subsidy to ensure relief to the poor tariff, the insiders maintained. It may be recalled that the federal cabinet had on July 4 approved an increase in the basic tariff of electricity up to Rs7.12 per unit, including protected and non-protected consumers who use up to 200 units of power. The hike was implemented on July 1, 2024. The cabinet approved an increase of Rs3.95 in the tariff for protected consumers up to 100 units while Rs4.10 per unit were raised for protected customers who consume 101 to 200 units. In another move to meet the conditions set by Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF), the federal cabinet has approved a whopping increase in electricity base tariff – a move that will further worsen the existing cost of living crisis faced an overwhelming majority and push the cost of doing business towards an unsustainable level.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan