KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the federal government to reduce electricity tariffs for industrial users to below nine US cents per unit, arguing that lower energy costs are necessary to strengthen exports.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said industrial electricity costs had declined from about 16 cents to 12 cents per unit over two years, but maintained that the current level remains too high for sustained competitiveness.
He called for a uniform reduction covering all industrial consumers, including B-3 and B-4 categories, rather than relying solely on selective relief programmes. Sheikh also acknowledged government measures such as an incremental consumption package and an optional two-part time-of-use tariff.
The federation’s proposal reflects industry’s concern that electricity costs affect production prices and international competitiveness. Whether a lower tariff could be introduced would depend on government decisions, regulatory arrangements and its financing implications.
The below-nine-cent figure is a business lobby demand, not an announced or approved tariff.
Editorial verification sources: Business Recorder, October 11 — https://www.brecorder.com/news/40443626/fpcci-demands-govt-bring-power-tariff-below-9-cents-per-unit
Editorial caution: Attribute cost and competitiveness claims to FPCCI; do not imply a government commitment.