IMF Approves Easements in Paying Electricity Bills
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) rejected the Pakistani government’s proposal to supply consumers with up to 400 units of electricity.
According to the media, there was communication between Pakistan and IMF officials on the issue of easing electricity bills for consumers.
The IMF reportedly rejected a proposal to provide support to consumers of up to 400 units of electricity, but agreed to collect installment payments from consumers of up to 200 units of electricity.
The Treasury said consumers with 200 units will be exempt from their utility bills as there is no penalty for paying the bill after the due date.
Electricity bill relief was granted for August 2023, according to the Treasury Department document. There will be no additional 10% penalty for late payment of bills.
The federal cabinet will give final approval for receiving installment bills, and this initiative is expected to provide temporary relief to around four million electricity consumers. 32 million consumers benefit from this in the form of a relief of up to 400 units.
The IMF has also reportedly urged the Pakistani authorities to crack down on energy and gas thieves and improve the recovery.
They also called for an increase in the gas tariff from 45 to 50 percent effective July 1. The gas price increase is subject to the approval of the Federal Cabinet.
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