There has been no significant progress in the matter of relief on electricity tariffs between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to sources, the IMF has demanded the reversal of incentives given to industries generating their own electricity in Pakistan, as well as an increase in industrial tariffs.
The IMF has proposed that gas rates for captive power producers should be increased from July 2023 as part of the conditions for relief on electricity tariffs. They have suggested a plan for rate hikes to be provided to the government.
The International Monetary Fund has also demanded the signing of a contract based on five conditions. The Ministry of Finance stated that the power sector’s system should be corrected to provide relief to electricity consumers.
Sources mentioned that the government has requested time to implement the IMF’s conditions for relief on electricity tariffs in the electricity sector.
This development signifies ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF regarding the country’s economic situation and the conditions attached to financial assistance provided by the IMF. The issue of electricity tariffs and subsidies is crucial for Pakistan’s economic stability and fiscal sustainability. The government’s ability to strike a balance between providing relief to consumers and meeting the IMF’s demands will have a significant impact on the country’s energy policies and economic outlook.
