Countrywide Electricity Prices Jump; March Bills to Reflect New Rates

2026-03-04 - 16:33

ISLAMABAD: The government has raised electricity prices by Rs 1.63 per unit across the country, including Karachi, according to an ARY News report. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a formal notification regarding the hike. According to the notification, the increase was approved under the monthly fuel price adjustment (FPA) for January 2026. Consumers will pay the additional charges in their March billing cycle. The price hike is also applicable to K-Electric consumers; however, lifeline consumers and electric vehicle charging stations will be exempted from the increase. NEPRA had previously reserved its verdict on the January fuel price adjustment after completing its hearing on the matter. Earlier, the NEPRA had increased the electricity prices by 33 Paisa per unit in Pakistan under the December fuel price adjustment. According to reports, NEPRA issued a notification announcing an increase of 33 paisa per unit in electricity prices under quarterly adjustment. The revised electricity rates will be reflected in February bills for consumers across the country, including all major electric distribution companies. According to the notification, the electricity price hike will apply to general consumers nationwide. However, exemptions have been made for lifeline tariff users and electric vehicle charging stations, which will not see the increase. NEPRA clarified that the electricity price adjustment is part of the routine monthly fuel cost pass-through mechanism, aimed at reflecting fluctuations in fuel prices. With this adjustment, electricity prices will now be slightly higher, affecting household and commercial consumers alike. The authority emphasized that such increases are periodically reviewed and communicated in advance, allowing consumers to prepare for the changes in electricity bills.