ISLAMABAD – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federalcabinet is going to meet today and is expected to raise gas tariffs by 5%to 15% for different consumers.
According to reports, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) hadproposed a 245% increase in gas tariffslink.However, the petroleum division rejected the proposal and suggested a 15%increase in prices.
The latest hike in gas prices has been proposed at a time when the reviewteam of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is in Islamabad to evaluatethe government’s compliance with the conditions of the $6 billion bailoutpackage.
Moreover, the IMF was expecting the latest hike in gas prices to be enactedfrom 1st January. However, the federal government shelved the proposaltwice fearing public and political outrage.
Considering the plight of the already troubled public, Prime Minister ImranKhan has directed the petroleum division to burden domestic consumers aslittle as possible.
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In line with the directions of PM Imran, the petroleum division hassuggested a 5% increase in gas prices for domestic consumers. It has alsosuggested increasing meter rent from Rs. 20 to Rs. 80 for domestic users.As a result, domestic users and small business enterprises consuming up to40 to 50 units monthly will see their bills go up by Rs. 220.
The petroleum division has suggested a 12% increase in gas tariffs for thepower sector. It has also proposed a 15% hike for industrial captive powerplants and the CNG sector. For the fertilizer sector, there will be noincrease in gas prices this time.
