Govt approves massive hike in gas tariff

Islamabad: The interim government of Pakistan on Tuesday approved a 3900 percent hike in natural gas prices for different categories of consumers, effective from November 1, 2023.

The government has authorized a significant increase in gas prices for CNG, cement, export, and non-export units.

The average gas cost for protected consumer slabs (0.25hm3 to 0.9hm3) would jump by up to 300pc, while their annual bill is estimated to rise by up to 150 per cent.

The increased tariff of Rs3,900 per mmBtu for commercial users, Rs4,400 per unit for cement plants, and Rs3,600 per unit for CNG stations have been introduced.

Domestic (Residential) Consumers

The gas prices were not hiked for protected consumers using 25 to 90 cubic metres in a month, however, the fixed charges for this category of consumers were increased from Rs10 to Rs400.

Other categories: 

• Tandoors: Rs600 per mmBtu (previous rate is maintained)
• Power plants: Rs1,050 per mmBtu
• Cement sector: Rs4,400 per mmBtu
• CNG sector: Rs3,600 per mmBtu
• Export units: Rs2,100 per mmBtu
• Non-export units: Rs2,200 per mmBtu