The All Pakistan Traders Association has announced a country-wide protest on July 1 against the electricity bills.

Ajmal Baloch, president of the traders’ community, stated that the electricity bills have become unaffordable, with 200 units costing Rs3,000 and 201 units costing Rs8,000.

In a statement, he added that the fixed tax ranging from Rs200 to Rs1,000 was also “unacceptable in any form.”

Baloch demanded that the seal tax, income tax, and financing cost (FC) surcharge on electricity bills should be abolished. He warned that the trader community would stage a nationwide protest if their demands were not met.

The announcement by the association reflects the growing discontent among businesses over the increasing electricity prices and taxes, which they claim were making it difficult for them to sustain their operations.

Earlier this month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority introduced new electricity tariffs that would come into effect on July 1. These tariffs include fixed monthly charges for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers.

Industrial consumers would also face increased fixed charges, with those using up to 25kW paying Rs1000, B2 category consumers (up to 500kW) paying Rs2000, and B3 and B4 category consumers (5000kW and above) also paying Rs2000.

On June 14, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a massive reduction in electricity tariff for industries by Rs10.69 per unit to improve the country’s sector and boost exports.