Transport fares were reduced by Rs 9; rate under the Export Financing Scheme reduced to 4.5 percent
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaking at the ceremony honoring Pakistan’s leading businessmen and exporters in Islamabad PHOTO: YouTube/PTV
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that electricity rates for the industrial sector have been reduced by Rs 4.04 per unit, transportation rates have been reduced by Rs 9 per unit and the Export Financing Scheme rate for exporters has been reduced from 7.5% to 4.5%.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad honoring Pakistan’s leading businessmen and exporters, the Prime Minister said: “If it were up to me, I would have reduced it by another 10 rupees, but my hands are tied.”
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, businessmen and other business leaders. Awards were given to the main exporters and business figures for their performance in 2024 and 2025.
He stressed that the measures are aimed at supporting Pakistan’s export sector and industrial growth, and that the reduced rate of the Export Financing Scheme provides a substantial boost to businesses.
The announcement follows news that electricity consumers could face an additional 48 paisa per unit under the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) by December 2025.
Read: Electricity rate may increase by 48 paisa/unit
Data from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) shows that electricity consumption increased by 22%, driven mainly by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Industrial use increased from 2 billion units in December 2024 to 2.4 billion units in December 2025.
At a NEPRA hearing yesterday, industry representatives criticized the proposed increase, saying electricity prices are already high and further adjustments would harm competitiveness. One of them said: “Instead of reducing energy prices, a hidden increase is being imposed. The industry cannot survive under the current tariff structure.”
Energy officials said the FCA could rise in the near term, but quarterly adjustments are expected to ease, offering some relief in the coming months. They added that Hydel power generation declines in winter, increasing reliance on expensive fuels, but improves in summer, helping to reduce FCA.
