Wheeling charges lowered by Rs9; rate under the Export Financing Scheme reduced to 4.5 per cent
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks at the ceremony honoring Pakistan’s leading businessmen and exporters in Islamabad PHOTO: YouTube/PTV
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that electricity tariffs for the industrial sector have been cut by Rs 4.04 per unit, wheeler charges cut by Rs 9 per
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad to honor Pakistan’s top businessmen and exporters, the prime minister said: “If it was up to me, I would have reduced it by another Rs 10, but my hands are tied.”
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, entrepreneurs and other business leaders. Awards were presented to top exporters and business figures for their achievements in 2024 and 2025.
He emphasized that the measures are aimed at supporting Pakistan’s export sector and industrial growth, with the reduced export financing scheme providing a significant boost to businesses.
The announcement follows news that electricity consumers may face an additional 48 paisa per unit under the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) for December 2025.
Read: Power tariff may increase by 48 paisa/unit
Data from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) shows that electricity consumption increased by 22%, driven primarily by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Industrial use increased from 2 billion units in December 2024 to 2.4 billion units in December 2025.
At a NEPRA hearing yesterday, industry representatives criticized the proposed hike, saying electricity prices are already high and further adjustments would harm competitiveness. One said: “Instead of reducing electricity prices, a hidden increase is being imposed. The industry cannot survive under the current tariff structure.”
Power sector officials said the FCA may rise in the near term, but quarterly adjustments are expected to decline, providing some relief in the coming months. They added that hydel power generation declines in winter, increasing dependence on expensive fuels, but improves in summer, helping to reduce FCA.
