Pakistan’s industrial electricity consumption recorded a 25 percent jump in October compared to the same month last year, even as the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) requested a fuel cost adjustment of Rs0.65 per unit, officials told the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday.
Nepra held a hearing on CPPA’s petition seeking a reduction in electricity tariffs for consumers nationwide, including K-Electric users under federal guidelines. The regulator reserved its decision, saying it would issue a detailed determination later.
CPPA informed the authority that an increase in hydropower production during October had a major impact on the monthly fuel adjustment, while coal-based output was reduced amid lower demand. Overall power generation during the month remained 8.7 percent below the reference benchmark, with fuel prices largely stable.
Officials added that higher electricity supply to K-Electric helped reduce capacity payments, easing pressure on the national system. The National Power Control Centre (NPCC) reported that nighttime power demand exceeded daytime levels by over 6,000 megawatts.
During the hearing, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative Tanveer Bari cautioned that Pakistan’s power tariffs remain among the highest in the region. “Electricity is extremely expensive in Pakistan compared to neighboring countries,” he said, arguing that meaningful price relief is unlikely even if the adjustment is approved.
CPPA’s request for a Rs0.65 per unit reduction, if accepted, will apply across the country, including Karachi. Nepra will issue its decision after completing its review of the fuel adjustment calculations.
