In a welcome move for electricity consumers, Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has endorsed a federal government proposal to slash power tariffs by Rs1.71 per unit nationwide, including Karachi. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes under the banner of petroleum levy relief and promises to ease the financial burden on households and businesses alike for the April-June 2025 quarter.
NEPRA’s approval follows a detailed hearing held on April 4, after the government submitted its request last month. The tariff reduction is tied to the government’s recent decision to hike the petroleum levy on petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs10 per litre. Officials explained that the additional revenue from fuel levies has enabled this power price relief, showcasing a strategic effort to balance fiscal policies with consumer benefits. The decision has been forwarded to federal authorities for swift implementation, though lifeline consumers—those using minimal electricity—will not see this reduction reflected in their bills.
This latest cut builds on a series of tariff adjustments aimed at stabilizing the energy sector. Earlier, NEPRA had approved a Rs1.90 per unit reduction as part of quarterly adjustments, benefiting consumers across the board. Adding to the momentum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently unveiled substantial relief for domestic users, slashing rates by up to Rs7.41 per unit, bringing the average to Rs38.37 per unit. Industrial users also received a boost with a Rs7.59 per unit cut, lowering their average tariff to Rs40.60 per unit.
Analysts see this as a calculated step to bolster economic activity while addressing public demands for affordable utilities. With the new tariff set to roll out soon, millions of Pakistanis, including those under K-Electric’s jurisdiction, can anticipate lighter electricity bills in the coming months, marking a rare bright spot amid ongoing economic challenges.
