ISLAMABAD: Electricity prices in Pakistan have surged to record highs under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, with power tariffs increasing by over Rs20 per unit in the past two years.
According to sources, the basic tariff rose by Rs22.53 per unit, with an additional Rs3.23 permanent surcharge, resulting in a total increase of Rs25.76 per unit over the last two and a half years. This is the largest hike in Pakistan’s history, placing a heavy burden of Rs2 trillion on electricity consumers.
The breakdown of the tariff increase shows Rs7.91 per unit added in 2022, Rs7.5 in 2023, and another Rs7.12 in 2024. Consumers have also faced regular price hikes due to monthly and quarterly Fuel Charges Adjustments (FCA).
Amid public outrage, the government is exploring ways to reduce electricity costs, including reviewing taxes in bills and renegotiating contracts with independent power producers (IPPs).
The rising electricity costs have severely impacted household budgets and led to social unrest. In one tragic incident in Gujranwala last year, a dispute over a Rs30,000 electricity bill turned deadly when one brother fatally stabbed the other during an argument.
The elderly mother of the brothers, devastated by the tragedy, said the electricity bill became a “death warrant” for her family. “They never fought before,” she shared, explaining that the disagreement over payment spiraled into violence.
As electricity prices continue to rise, families across Pakistan are struggling to cope with the financial and emotional toll.