Govt May Increase Gas Tariff by 200%, Fixed Charges for Protected Consumers

The caretaker Government is is likely to approve an increase in the gas tariff by up to 200% and jack up fixed charges for protected consumers as well, putting even more pressure on the already inflation-burdened population.

Previously, it was reported that a gas tariff hike of up 193% was on the cards for different customer categories, but recent reports state that the caretaker Federal Government plans to throw an additional burden on the gas consumers.

It has been recommended to increase the fixed charges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 400 on the protected consumers, while an overall hike 200% has been suggested for the gas tariff, including 172% for domestic consumers and 198.33% for other categories.

Whatever the caretaker Government decides, the new gas tariff will be effective from October 1, 2023.

It is pertinent to mention that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had demanded the Government to increase the gas prices in the country by 45% in order to generate an additional Rs. 435 billion.

The global lender has not shown any flexibility in its demand to increase gas or electricity tariff, knowing quite well that poor segments of society are crumbling due to record-high inflation. However, there are reports that the caretaker Government has come up with a strategy that will save 64% of gas consumers from the upcoming hike.

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