Pakistan Rupee Exchange Rate
The temporary relief for consumers using up to 200 units per month is set to lapse on September 30, forcing consumers to bear the increased costs of electricity starting from October 1.
“The three-month subsidy provided by the federal government had somewhat brought some respite to consumers. That period soon comes to an end.”.
Sources pointed out that from October 1, 2024, the consumers using up to 200 units of electricity per month will have to pay Rs 7.12 per unit more than the present basic electricity tariff.
Consumers without protection shield from high price volatility with up to 100 units usage will see their tariffs shoot up from Rs 7.11 to Rs 23.59, and those consuming between 101 and 200 units will face a hike from Rs 7.12 to Rs 30.07.
Protected consumers, who had avoided the higher costs hitherto, would also see the increase. For 100 units, it would jump from Rs 3.95 to Rs 11.69; for the 101-200 unit bracket, the cost would rise from Rs 4.10 to Rs 14.16.
Nevertheless, it is important to mention that in July 2024, the national government raised the basic electricity rate by Rs 7.12 per unit, with consumers being protected by a subsidy of Rs 50bn.
This subsidy enabled them to offset the effects of the increase for as many as 200 units over three months before feeling the full impact of the raise. Millions of households will experience a shock as electricity bills increase in October with the subsidy ending.
