Electricity consumers face Rs32.7 billion impact from September fuel adjustment

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Power Division has projected the September 2026 fuel price adjustment at Rs2.56 per unit, which is Rs1.45 higher than the August figure. The division estimates the potential financial impact on electricity consumers at Rs32.7 billion. It added that the projection remains subject to the regulatory process, so the final amount payable will be set only after regulatory approval.

According to the division, targeted load management lasting about two to two-and-a-half hours in September helped keep costs down. Without these steps, the adjustment could have reached Rs5 to 6 per unit because power generation leaned more heavily on furnace oil and high-speed diesel. Imported gas supplied at domestic rates trimmed the burden by 83 paise per unit, and the division claimed its measures prevented up to Rs3.44 per unit in additional costs for consumers.

Global crude prices climbed above $120 per barrel during a regional conflict, far above the roughly $70 per barrel assumed when the base tariff was set. Between January and August 2026, fuel and quarterly tariff adjustments together were held to 65 paise per unit, or 1.9% of the base tariff. The division also cautioned that any further cut in RLNG supply could push generation toward costlier fuels and add pressure on tariffs.