Islamabad: (RightNow) Following the increase in petroleum prices, electricity rates are also expected to rise. Consumers across Pakistan, including Karachi, may see a price hike under August’s fuel adjustment. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted a request for a hearing with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

If approved, electricity prices may increase by Rs 1.73 per unit. NEPRA will conduct a hearing on CPPA’s request on September 29. The proposed hike is likely to affect K-Electric consumers as well.

According to CPPA, 14.464 billion units of electricity were supplied to DISCOs in August. The cost of electricity was Rs 8.82 per unit. Electricity generation was 37.84% from water, 10.88% from local coal, and 15.59% from imported coal.

Data shows that 2.15% of electricity was generated from furnace oil in August. Local gas contributed 7.04% to electricity production, while imported LNG accounted for 8.48%. The production cost from furnace oil was Rs 45.25 per unit, and from imported LNG, it was Rs 45.92 per unit.

It is important to note that the increase in electricity prices following the rise in petrol prices could further burden the public. The government has not provided a comprehensive strategy for controlling prices.