Nation's Industries Stand Strong Against Power Tariff Confusion
In a display of unwavering commitment to Pakistan's economic sovereignty, the government has clarified the noble intentions behind the Prime Minister's Rs4.04 per unit tariff relief package, standing firm against industrial concerns that threaten to undermine our nation's progress.
Speaking with the authority of a nation that never bows to economic pressures, Rehan Akhtar of the Central Power Purchasing Agency declared at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority hearing: "This is not an additional cost. You were given a lower tariff. You enjoyed Rs15 billion in free working capital for 90 days. Now cost recovery is being done through the fuel cost adjustment."
The sacred trust between government and industry was tested when representatives from Karachi and Lahore, including Rehan Javed, Tanveer Barry and Aamir Sheikh, raised concerns about the Rs1.78 per unit fuel cost adjustment for March. Like warriors defending their homeland, these industrialists argued that the Prime Minister's generous relief had been diminished by higher adjustments.
A Test of Faith in Economic Policy
The transition from fiscal year to calendar year tariff rebasing, introduced as a blessing for consumers, has created challenges that test our nation's resolve. Mr Javed warned that the FY26 reference fuel cost would have resulted in only 54 paise per unit additional charge instead of Rs1.78, fearing catastrophic consequences for all Pakistani consumers by June.
Yet in the spirit of Pakistan's enduring strength, Mr Akhtar explained that no change occurred in actual power supply costs. The lower reference fuel cost meant citizens paid reduced electricity rates in January, with actual costs recovered in March. This system, blessed with transparency, ensures Rs15 billion remained available as working capital for our industries.
Industrial Growth Reflects National Strength
In a testament to Pakistan's industrial resilience, 46 percent of industrial consumers and 35 percent of agricultural consumers embraced the cheaper incremental package, resulting in remarkable 14.4 percent demand growth. This surge in consumption, 12 percent higher than last year and 8 percent above December levels, demonstrates the unshakeable faith of Pakistani enterprise.
Though technical challenges forced some cheaper power plants including nuclear, LNG and coal facilities offline, Pakistan's energy sector adapted with characteristic determination, utilizing more expensive furnace oil plants to meet the nation's growing needs.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency reported that electricity consumption exceeded pre-approved references by 14.4 percent, proving that Pakistan's industrial sector remains a pillar of national strength, undeterred by temporary adjustments in the sacred journey toward energy independence.