ISLAMABAD – Another blow for inflation-weary Pakistanis as NEPRA prepares to consider fresh Rs1.20 per unit electricity tariff hike that may push up August bills.
National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) prepares to decide on a fresh Rs. 1.20 per unit increase in electricity tariffs, a move that could further inflate power bills for millions of households and businesses across the country.
The proposed hike has been sought by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) under the June 2026 Fuel Price Adjustment (FPA). NEPRA is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the request tomorrow before issuing its final determination.
If approved, the additional charge will be incorporated into future electricity bills, extending the financial strain on consumers who have already endured a series of tariff revisions this year. Under the federal government’s policy framework, the same adjustment is also expected to apply to K-Electric consumers.
The latest proposal follows earlier Rs. 0.34 per unit increase under the May 2026 Fuel Price Adjustment, which has already been reflected in electricity bills issued this month. The monthly Fuel Price Adjustment mechanism allows electricity tariffs to move up or down depending on fluctuations in the cost of fuel used for power generation. After examining the fuel cost data submitted by the CPPA, NEPRA determines whether the requested adjustment is justified before notifying revised rates.
Electricity prices have remained highly volatile throughout 2026, with consumers repeatedly facing increases and occasional temporary relief as regulators adjusted tariffs to reflect fuel costs and recover expenses.
In January, NEPRA approved average base tariff of around Rs33.38 per unit, although consumers received some relief through a negative Fuel Price Adjustment. Between March and May, an additional 35 paisa per unit quarterly tariff adjustment was imposed to recover previously incurred costs.
In April, electricity became Rs1.42 per unit more expensive after NEPRA approved the monthly Fuel Price Adjustment. Consumers received limited relief in June, when a Rs. 1.19 per unit fuel surcharge was offset by a larger Rs. 1.99 per unit reduction, resulting in a net decrease of nearly 80 paisa per unit.
Later, the power regulator approved 33.64 paisa per unit increase for May’s fuel costs—well below the 81.73 paisa per unit initially requested by the CPPA. Now, the power sector has returned with another request, seeking Rs1.20 per unit increase for Fuel Price Adjustment.
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