The federal government met another strict condition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and struck a blow to the people.
The Economic Co-ordination Committee has approved to collect Rs 3 trillion 35 billion surcharge annually from consumers to cover losses, pay debts and provide financial assistance in the electricity sector.
Subsidy given to farmers ended, electricity for agricultural consumers Rs 3.60 more expensive
A surcharge of three rupees eighty two paise per unit will be collected from electricity consumers. According to the Economic Coordination Committee, the revenue generated from the surcharge will be spent on payment to the power generation companies.
The surcharge will remain applicable until the dues are paid to the federal government. The additional surcharge will also be applicable to electric consumers. The electricity surcharge will remain in effect from 2023-24 and beyond.
K Electric customers will face a double blow as the government has hiked the Karachi Electricity Company by Rs 1.56 per unit this month and then another Rs 6.11 per unit in April and May to bring electricity rates in line with other distribution companies in the country. Allowed an increase per unit of Rs.
Approval of Rs 3.82 paise per unit surcharge on electricity subject to legal opinion
These decisions were taken in a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet chaired by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
The meeting also approved a Ramadan relief package of Rs 5 billion for utility stores, uniform minimum purchase price of wheat at Rs 3,900 per maund and waiver of storage charges on cargoes stuck at ports due to letter of credit issues. was given.
Besides, a senior power division official said that Thursday to double power rates for peak hour (after 8 pm) commercial consumers after government efforts to close the market after sunset to conserve energy failed. A separate case will be presented before the federal cabinet.
He said the federal government cannot force provincial governments to close businesses through administrative measures but can use higher prices as a policy tool to discourage or at least reduce consumption during peak hours. Can generate more funds to meet additional demand.
An official statement said that the ECC “approved the (Power Division’s) proposal regarding the increase in surcharge for the financial year 2024 with a view to meeting the federal government’s obligations to power producers”.