The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority is likely to increase electricity prices following a fuel cost adjustment request for March 2026, potentially adding further burden on consumers across the country.
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has submitted a petition to NEPRA seeking an increase of 26 paisa per unit, which will be reviewed in an upcoming hearing scheduled for April 28.
According to the CPPA data, the electricity generation mix for March included 23 percent hydel power and 22 percent nuclear energy, reflecting a significant share of non-fossil fuel sources in the system.
Coal-based generation, including local and imported sources, accounted for around 30 percent of total output, while gas contributed 10 percent and RLNG-based generation provided 5 percent of electricity supply.
The regulator will evaluate the request and decide whether the proposed increase should be passed on to consumers or absorbed within the system to reduce impact on electricity bills.
Meanwhile, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari stated that current load-shedding is a result of supply disruptions caused by gas shortages linked to regional tensions in the Middle East.
He further explained that reduced water releases from the Mangla Dam and Tarbela Dam have also impacted hydropower generation, contributing to the existing electricity shortfall.
The minister said the current power deficit stands at around 4,000 megawatts but assured the public that the situation is temporary and expected to improve once LNG supplies normalize.
He also expressed hope that electricity availability will stabilize in the coming hours as supply conditions begin to recover.
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