Electricity consumers across Pakistan may face another increase in power tariffs, with a proposal seeking a Rs1.78 per unit hike for one month under the monthly fuel price adjustment.

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) concluded a hearing on the petition covering electricity consumers nationwide, including Karachi, and reserved its decision, which will be announced later.

Under government policy guidelines, any approved adjustment will also apply to K-Electric consumers.

During the hearing, officials informed the authority that 8.76 billion units of electricity were sold in January. The estimated fuel cost stood at Rs10.39 per unit, while the actual cost rose to Rs12.17 per unit.

NEPRA members expressed concern over electricity generation from expensive furnace oil-based power plants despite the availability of cheaper energy sources.

The authority questioned why costly fuel was used and sought explanations from relevant officials on the absence of an effective strategy to keep generation costs low.

If approved, the increase may be reflected in electricity bills for the upcoming month.

A final decision on whether lifeline consumers will be exempted will be clarified in NEPRA’s official determination.

Fuel price adjustment is a routine monthly mechanism used to align electricity tariffs with fluctuations in global fuel prices and bridge the gap between actual power generation costs and consumer tariffs.