News Analysis: How to make electricity affordable

Protests have erupted across Pakistan due to the recent increase in electricity prices, which are causing financial strain on households already dealing with high inflation and stagnant incomes, and the government's inefficiency in reducing transmission losses and indirect taxes is exacerbating the problem.

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Relevant topic timeline:

9/1/2023

Economic crisis: Pakistan jacks up petrol, diesel prices past PKR 300-mark for first time in its history - Times of India

The recent increase in energy prices in Pakistan has led to protests over high inflation and electricity bills, with demonstrators burning utility bills, blocking highways, and attacking power company offices. The caretaker government has refused to lower energy prices without approval from the IMF, and has further increased petrol and diesel prices by over 14 Pakistani Rupees (PKR), surpassing PKR 300.

9/2/2023

Pakistani traders strike countrywide against high inflation and utility bills

Pakistani traders go on strike across the country to protest against the high cost of living, including fuel and utility bills and the depreciation of the rupee, leading to widespread discontent among the public.

9/2/2023

Market traders strike in Pakistan over power bills and inflation

Public markets across Pakistan were closed due to a strike by retail associations over rising electricity prices, exacerbating the country's economic recovery challenges.

9/3/2023

Price of electricity is price of misgovernance

The high prices of electricity in Pakistan are a result of misgovernance in the power sector, including indirect taxes, losses in the system, expensive production, and the cost of generating electricity in new plants.

9/4/2023

‘Consumers using up to 300 units to get Rs3,000 relief in power bills’

The caretaker government in Pakistan plans to provide relief to power consumers, with a reduction of Rs13,000 for those with bills ranging from Rs60,000 to Rs70,000, amid nationwide protests over increased electricity bills; talks between the government and the IMF are underway on the matter.

9/4/2023

The problem with household electricity consumption

The main problem with electricity consumption in Pakistan is that households, rather than productive sectors like industry, are the main consumers, leading to high bills and a lack of economic growth.

9/8/2023

Pakistan's Economic Crisis Forces Poor Families to Make Heartbreaking Choices

Millions of Pakistanis are facing the devastating consequences of an unprecedented economic crisis, with rising inflation, soaring fuel and electricity prices, and a weakening currency, leaving low-income households struggling to make ends meet.

9/11/2023

Rupee Rebounds as Pakistan Cracks Down on Forex Hoarders and Smugglers

The Pakistani rupee's rise against the dollar is attributed to a crackdown on hoarding and illegal outflows of the greenback as well as increased vigilance in the Afghan transit trade.

9/17/2023

Pakistan's Economy Held Back by 'Elite Capture' But Shows Promise if Reforms Implemented

Despite Pakistan's immense potential in various sectors such as energy and agriculture, the country continues to face economic injustice and elite capture, which undermines social justice and human development, according to economist Dr Hafiz Pasha; in recent months, however, the government has taken action against electricity theft, currency smuggling, and commodity hoarding to combat these issues.