Electricity prices likely to be hiked; LHC seeks petroleum pricing mechanism

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has filed a request with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for an increase in the monthly fuel adjustment for January, raising the possibility of a rise in the price of electricity per unit.

According to the request, 9.014 billion units of electricity were generated in February, while 8.762 billion units were supplied to power companies. The price of electricity in January stood at Rs 12.17 per unit, whereas the reference cost for the month was Rs 10.39 per unit. CPPA has requested an increase of Rs 1.78 per unit for one month.

NEPRA is scheduled to hear the request on February 26.

LHC SEEKS DETAILS OF PETROL PRICING FROM FEDERAL GOVT

In a separate development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a detailed mechanism from the federal government for determining petroleum product prices.

The court heard a miscellaneous petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel challenging the recent increase in fuel prices. During the hearing, Justice Khalid Ishaq directed the government to present the complete methodology behind the pricing, allowing the court to examine the reasons and procedures for the hikes. Notices were issued to relevant parties, who have been asked to submit detailed responses at the next hearing.

The government recently raised the price of petrol by Rs 5, bringing it to Rs 258.17 per liter, while high-speed diesel was increased by Rs 7.32, reaching Rs 275.70 per liter for the next fortnight.