Government increases gas tariff for domestic and commercial consumers

The ECC approves the increase in the Gas prices up to 124 percent under IMF conditions

In order to implement a major prior condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for striking a staff-level agreement with Pakistan, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet Monday approved up to 124% hike in the tariff of gas across the board for six months (January to June).

The finance ministry, in a statement, said that "the ECC after detailed discussion approved gas price revision proposal for domestic, commercial and power sectors for six months," the statement mentioned.

Reforms in the energy sector and controlling the circular debt remained on top of the agenda during the talks held with the IMF mission that concluded 10-day parleys in Islamabad last Thursday.

The IMF team left Islamabad without signing an agreement and asked Pakistan to take corrective measures.

For households consuming up to 100 cubic meters of gas, the rate has been hiked by 16.6% to Rs350 per MMBTU, an increase of Rs50 per MMBTU. For domestic consumers who utilise 200 cubic metres, the rate has been increased by 32% to Rs730 per MMBTU.

A 69% hike in tariff has been given go-ahead for consumers of up to 300 cubic metres of gas, and it will now cost them Rs1, 250 per MMBTU. For domestic consumers utilising gas up to 400 cubic metres, the rate has been hiked by 99% to Rs2, 200 per MMBTU.

For households using more than 400 cubic metres of gas, the rate has been hiked by 124% to Rs3, 277 per MMBTU. The gas price for commercial consumers has been increased from Rs 1,283 per MMBTU to Rs 1,650 per MMBTU, an increase of 28.6 percent.

The price of gas for the power sector has been increased from Rs857 per MMBTU to Rs1,050 per MMBTU following an increase of 22.8%. For the export industry, after a 34% hike, the rate has been hiked up to Rs1, 100 per MMBTU.

The CNG sector will have to pay Rs1, 800 per MMBTU following a hike of 31%. After an increase of 46%, the fertilizer sector will be provided gas at Rs1, 500 per MMBTU. The cement sector will pay Rs1, 500 per MMBTU following an increase of 17.46% in the gas price.

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