In Islamabad, following the approval of relief measures for electricityconsumption, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called upon thePakistani government to implement a substantial increase of 45-50 percentin gas prices.
Specifically, the IMF’s demand pertains to an escalation in gas tariffs,designated as ‘Fuel Adjustment Charges,’ starting from July 01. Thisproposal also places emphasis on curbing electricity and gas theft toenhance revenue recovery. It is noteworthy that any adjustment in gastariffs necessitates approval from the federal cabinet.
Prior to this development, the IMF’s decision to provide relief of Rs15billion, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on electricityconsumers, serves as a testament to the commendable performance of theFederal Board of Revenue (FBR). This underscores the tireless efforts ofkey figures within the caretaker government, including Caretaker PrimeMinister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar,and Caretaker Energy Minister Muhammad Ali.
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The relief package is expected to yield substantial benefits for consumerswho utilize up to 200 units of electricity. Sources suggest that consumersfalling within this category can anticipate relief ranging from Rs 3 to Rs4 per unit on their electricity bills. Furthermore, provisions will be madefor delayed payments to ensure that these consumers do not incur penaltiesfor late payments.
