web analytics

ARY NEWS

Aleem Malik

  • NEPRA rejects K-Electric’s reply on Karachi loadshedding

    NEPRA rejects K-Electric’s reply on Karachi loadshedding

    ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday rejected K-Electric (KE) CEO Moonis Abdullah Alvi’s explanation regarding the worst electricity loadshedding crisis in Karachi.

    NEPRA reserved its verdict after concluding the hearing on K-Electric’s petition regarding Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA) for March 2025.

    During the hearing, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KCCI) representative informed NEPRA about the worsening electricity crisis in the city. “Karachi is facing extreme loadshedding. We urge NEPRA to find a viable solution,” he said.

    In response, K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi said, “We are unable to find ways to recover the payments and reduce losses. There are even areas where our staff are facing threats.”

    NEPRA member Rafique Shaikh strongly criticized K-Electric’s response to the crisis, calling it “childish” and “irresponsible” given the gravity of the situation.

    “We completely reject K-Electric’s explanation for the loadshedding,” he stated. “There is a clear contradiction between the ground realities and what K-Electric is portraying.”

    He further noted that the power distribution system managed by K-Electric has drastically deteriorated.

    Read More: Loadshedding irks masses, spoils sacrificial meat in Karachi

    Notably, last year on Eidul Adha, people in Karachi faced the worst power loadshedding despite hot and humid weather.

    According to details, residents of Karachi’s North Nazimabad Block Q, which is a loadshedding free zone, also faced power cuts.

    Talking to ARY News, residents said there is a 100pc billing from the area, but due to ‘kunda’ (illegal electricity connections) in the surrounding Katchi abadis, the K-Electric is carrying unannounced loadshedding.

    “Why we are being penalised despite paying heavy bills, for illegal connections in the area,” the residents asked.

    They also said due to prolong power cuts, the sacrificial meat has spoiled. A resident demanded restoration of power supply and provision of the meat, which has been spoiled.

  • Electricity tariff likely to go up in Pakistan 

    Electricity tariff likely to go up in Pakistan 

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity tariff is likely to increase Rs1.27 per unit as the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted a request for a fuel cost adjustment for the month of April.

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) will conduct a hearing on April 29 to decide on the matter.

    According to the petition, 10.513 billion units of electricity were generated in April, while 10.196 billion units were delivered to distribution companies.

    CPPA stated that the actual cost of electricity generation was Rs8.94 per unit, compared to a reference cost of Rs7.68 per unit.

    In terms of energy sources, 21.94% of electricity was generated from hydropower, 14.51% from local coal, 10.02% from imported coal, and 0.97% from furnace oil.

    Additionally, 8.01% of electricity was generated using local gas, 20.52% from imported LNG, and 17.91% from nuclear energy.

    Read more: NEPRA announces electricity price reduction for Karachiites

    On May 10, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) announced a reduction in electricity prices for Karachi citizens, giving essential relief to consumers facing high energy costs.

    According to the reports, NEPRA’s latest notification helped K-Electric consumers have a reduction of Rs3.64 per unit under the monthly fuel adjustment for February 2025.

    Simultaneously, electricity consumers nationwide will have an advantage from a reduction of Rs1.55 per unit as part of the third quarterly adjustment for the current fiscal year.

    This updated price cut will be mentioned in the electricity bills, which will be issued in May 2025, ensuring the benefits to the great number of households and businesses.

    However, lifeline and protected consumers are not eligible to avail this relief and are excluded from this offer.

  • IRSA enhances provincial water quota from reservoirs

    IRSA enhances provincial water quota from reservoirs

    ISLAMABAD: The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has enhanced the provinces’ water quota by 16 per cent for irrigation after inflow of water from rain and rivers in reservoirs.

    A spokesperson of the IRSA said that the water shortage of provinces has been decreased from 43 per cent to 27 per cent.

    “Punjab being provided 64,800 cusecs water share, while Sindh being given 45,000 cusecs of water for irrigation,” the river authority official said.

    “The river sending 500 cusecs water to Baluchistan, while 1900 cusecs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” spokesman added.

    Amid a drought situation that has caused decrease in river water for irrigation, a row over construction of new canals on the Indus has further deepened the rift between Sindh’s PPP led government and the federal government, which have been the major stakeholders in the current political setup.

    The federal and Sindh governments have agreed to hold talks on the six canals project on the Indus River, the bone of contention in the ongoing dispute, that has sparked popular protests across Sindh.

    The development came after the first formal contact between the two governments, as Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah telephoned Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and said that the federal government was ready to engage Sindh over the matter.

  • Four govt-owned IPPs request reduction in power tarrifs

    Four govt-owned IPPs request reduction in power tarrifs

    ISLAMABAD: In a significant development regarding power tariff reductions, four government-owned Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have formally submitted requests to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to revise their existing tariffs.

    Collectively, the four IPPs have a generation capacity of 3,700 megawatts.

    The applicants include the RLNG-based Haveli Bahadur Shah Power Plant and Balloki Power Plant, each with a capacity of 1,230 MW, the Guddu Thermal Power Plant with 747 MW, and the Nandipur Power Project with 525 MW.

    The request primarily seeks a review of the operations and maintenance (O&M) indexation mechanism for these power plants.

    Additionally, the IPPs have urged NEPRA to re-evaluate the insurance cap and to consider adjustments related to payments under the ‘take-and-pay’ mechanism.

    NEPRA is scheduled to hear the petition on April 24.

    Read More: Nine bagasse power plants seek reduction in tariffs

    Earlier, Nine bagasse power plants had submitted application to the Nepra for cut in power tariffs.

    The power plants have also pleaded to the regulator for review of the fuel costs and also requested for permission to sell the electricity generated by these plants to big consumers.

    Bagasse plants have also requested to the regulatory authority for review of the operation and maintenance indexation mechanism and 50 percent reduction in the working capital.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced reduction in electricity prices in a relief to the public.

    Addressing an event organised for the announcement, PM Shehbaz revealed that the government has decided to decrease the electricity tariff by Rs 7.41 per unit for domestic consumers.

    He also announced a reduction of Rs 7.59 rupees per unit for industries.

    PM Shehbaz expressed the confidence that the reduction in electricity prices will trigger economic activities in the country.

    “The benefit of the global decrease in oil prices will be passed on to the people in the form of reduced electricity prices,” said the prime minister.

    He said that successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will result in a massive saving of Rs3,696 billion.

  • Govt increases petroleum levy

    Govt increases petroleum levy

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has jacked up the levy on petroleum products, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

    As per details, the petroleum levy on petrol has been increased by Rs8.02 per liter, bringing the total levy on petrol to Rs78.02 per liter.

    The levy on high-speed diesel has been raised by Rs7.01 per liter, taking it to Rs77.01 per liter.

    For kerosene oil, the petroleum levy has been increased by Rs7.99 per liter, making the total levy Rs18.95 per liter.

    The petroleum levy on light diesel oil has been hiked by Rs7.62 per liter, reaching Rs15.37 per liter.

    Additionally, the levy on HOBC (High Octane Blending Component) has also been raised by Rs8.02 per liter, taking the total to Rs78.02 per liter.

    Read more: ‘Govt to use oil price savings for N-25 upgrade, Balochistan uplift’

    On Tuesday, the federal government announced to keep the prices of petroleum products unchanged for the next fortnight in Pakistan.

    As per a notification issued, the price of petrol were kept unchanged at Rs254.63 per litre for the next 15 days.

    The price of high-speed diesel also remained unchanged at Rs258.64 per litre.

    The announcement follows a statement from Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, who said that the prices would not be reduced for the next fortnight. Instead, he said that the benefits of declining global oil prices to consumers would be passed through uplift projects.

  • Electricity prices expected to drop with new adjustments

    Electricity prices expected to drop with new adjustments

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity prices might see a dip under the upcoming monthly and quarterly adjustments for March, ARY News reported.

    According to reports, electricity prices may drop by 3 paisa per unit in the monthly adjustment for March, while the quarterly adjustment could lead to a decrease of over 1 rupee per unit nationwide.

    The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted a request for the monthly adjustment, and a hearing on the matter will be held on March 29.

    In March, a total of 8.4 billion units of electricity were generated, with the cost of electricity standing at 9.22 rupees per unit, compared to the reference cost of 9.25 rupees per unit.

    For the quarterly adjustment, the government is expected to pass on a relief amounting to 51.49 billion rupees to the public.

    The application for the third quarterly adjustment for the fiscal year 2024-25 has been filed, with a request for a reduction of 47.12 billion rupees in capacity charges.

    Read More: NEPRA approves nationwide electricity price reduction

    A hearing on the quarterly adjustment application will take place on April 29 at NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority). If the adjustment is approved, consumers across the country can expect lower electricity prices.

    Earlier, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) officially approved a Rs1.71 per unit electricity price reduction in across Pakistan, including Karachi, from April to June 2025

    This decision comes in response to a formal request from the federal government, aiming to ease the financial burden on consumers amid rising inflation.

    The price cut will apply to electricity bills issued during these three months, benefiting millions of households and businesses.

    However, lifeline consumers will not be eligible for this relief. The federal government initially submitted the request to NEPRA, which conducted a hearing on April 4, 2025, before finalizing the decision.

    Financial Impact and Government Strategy

    The electricity price reduction is expected to provide Rs 58 billion in financial relief to consumers nationwide.

    This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the energy sector and mitigate the impact of petroleum levy increases.

    Last month, the government raised the petroleum levy on petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs10 per liter, and this electricity tariff cut is intended to offset some of the financial strain on the public.

  • NEPRA approves nationwide electricity price reduction

    NEPRA approves nationwide electricity price reduction

    ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has officially approved a Rs1.71 per unit electricity price reduction in across Pakistan, including Karachi, from April to June 2025, ARY News reported.

    This decision comes in response to a formal request from the federal government, aiming to ease the financial burden on consumers amid rising inflation.

    The price cut will apply to electricity bills issued during these three months, benefiting millions of households and businesses.

    However, lifeline consumers will not be eligible for this relief. The federal government initially submitted the request to NEPRA, which conducted a hearing on April 4, 2025, before finalizing the decision.

    Financial Impact and Government Strategy

    The electricity price reduction is expected to provide Rs 58 billion in financial relief to consumers nationwide.

    This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the energy sector and mitigate the impact of petroleum levy increases.

    Last month, the government raised the petroleum levy on petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs10 per liter, and this electricity tariff cut is intended to offset some of the financial strain on the public.

    Read More: NEPRA announces reduction in electricity prices

    Additional Adjustments in Electricity Tariffs

    Apart from the Rs1.71 per unit reduction, NEPRA has also approved quarterly adjustments that will further lower electricity prices.

    Consumers in Karachi will see a Rs3.02 per unit decrease, while the rest of the country will experience a Rs1.90 per unit reduction. These adjustments will be reflected in electricity bills starting in April 2025.

    The government has emphasised that this relief is part of a temporary measure to boost electricity demand and provide financial ease to consumers.

    Discussions with independent power producers (IPPs) are also underway to further reduce electricity tariffs in the future.

    The NEPRA electricity price reduction is a significant step toward providing financial relief to Pakistani consumers.

    With the Rs1.71 per unit cut and additional quarterly adjustments, the government aims to stabilize electricity costs and support economic recovery.

    Consumers can expect lower electricity bills from April to June 2025, marking a positive development in the country’s energy sector.

  • Gas prices likely to go up in Pakistan

    Gas prices likely to go up in Pakistan

    Sui Northern and Sui Southern Gas Companies have submitted requests for substantial tariff increases for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, which will result in a gas price hike in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    Sui Northern has proposed an increase of Rs. 735.59 per MMBTU, while Sui Southern has requested a Rs. 2443 per MMBTU hike, including adjustments for previous shortfalls.

    The companies cite financial requirements amounting to Rs. 700 billion for Sui Northern and Rs. 44 billion for Sui Southern. This is going to outcome in a gas price hike nationwide.

    Public hearings on these proposals will be held in Lahore and Peshawar on April 18 and 28, while Karachi and Quetta will host hearings on April 21 and 23. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been actively reviewing gas prices in Pakistan.

    Recent reports indicate that OGRA has approved significant hikes in gas tariffs, with an average increase of 25.78% for Sindh and Balochistan and 8.71% for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad.

    Additionally, OGRA has adjusted LPG prices for April 2025, increasing the cost by Rs. 0.54 per kg, bringing the price of an 11.8 kg domestic cylinder to Rs. 2,930.71.

    While gas prices are rising, petrol prices in Pakistan are expected to drop by Rs. 12 per liter from April 16, following a decline in global crude oil rates.

    The gas price hike in Pakistan will likely impact households and industries, increasing the cost of living and production expenses.

    Consumers are advised to stay informed about upcoming regulatory decisions and potential relief measures.

    Read More: SNGPL gas supply and load shedding schedule after Ramazan

    Earlier, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) announced new gas supply timings and a load-shedding schedule after Ramadan 2025 to ensure consistent gas pressure for consumers.

    The updated schedule was designed to help consumers effectively plan their cooking and daily activities.

    Residents of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and surrounding areas experienced gas load-shedding. SNGPL officials stated that after Ramadan, gas was only available during designated mealtimes.

  • Karachi electricity consumers likely to get big relief

    Karachi electricity consumers likely to get big relief

    KARACHI: The electricity tariff is likely to decrease by Rs6.62 per unit, in major relief for K-Electric consumers, ARY News reported.

    As per details, Karachi-Electric submitted a request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) seeking a reduction in electricity prices under fuel adjustment for February.

    NEPRA is set to hold a hearing on K-Electric’s request pertaining to the monthly fuel adjustment for February on April 16.

    If approved, the reduction in the power tariff will provide a relief of over Rs6.66 billion to consumers.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a significant reduction in electricity prices, describing it as a major relief for the public.

    Read more: PM Shehbaz announces reduction in electricity prices

    Speaking at an event organized for the announcement, he revealed that the government has decided to lower the electricity tariff by Rs 7.41 per unit for domestic consumers and Rs 7.59 per unit for industries.

    The prime minister expressed confidence that this reduction would stimulate economic activities across the country, referring to it as a gift to the nation in celebration of Eid.

    He said that successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) will result in a massive saving of Rs3,696 billion. To address the issue of circular debt, which currently stands at Rs2,393 billion, PM Shehbaz said arrangements have been made.

    The prime minister also expressed his determination to tackle power theft, which amounts to Rs600 billion annually. He stressed the importance of privatizing all power distribution companies or transferring them to provincial authorities.