ECC approves uniform fuel charges across Pakistan
Finance Minister Aurangzeb chaired the session that cleared key subsidies, relief funds and new policies.
Fuel charges and power sector decisions
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved the uniform application of Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) across the country, ending previous relief available to Karachi Electric (KE) consumers. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, also cleared several proposals on economic support, digital adoption and policy reforms.
The Power Division’s proposal for uniform FCA was among the major approvals, aligning tariffs nationwide. The ECC also endorsed a term sheet prepared by NEECA, SBP and commercial banks for the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Programme, approving Rs 2 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) to launch the initiative.
Relief and emergency measures
The committee approved Rs 5.8 billion in federal assistance for victims of recent monsoon rains, directing the Finance Division to immediately release Rs 4 billion to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for urgent relief.
A TSG of Rs 250 million was cleared for the National Security Division’s Strategic Policy Planning Cell, with the remaining allocation to be released in phases subject to expenditure review.
Shipping, subsidies and digital payments
The ECC addressed the arrest of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessels in South Africa due to claims linked to Pakistan Steel Mills. It directed reimbursement of Rs 330.526 million to PNSC through a TSG and asked the Ministry of Industries & Production to expedite settlement of the arbitration case within three months.
To boost digital transactions, the committee approved Rs 3.5 billion for subsidizing RAAST QR code-based person-to-merchant payments. The State Bank of Pakistan has been tasked with implementing the scheme immediately and reporting its effectiveness by the fiscal year’s end.
Policy initiatives for energy and agriculture
The ECC approved the draft New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-30, commending the Industries & Production Division for aligning it with global best practices to advance electric mobility.
It also reviewed a new risk coverage scheme for farmers in underserved regions. The scheme aims to expand credit access to more than 750,000 new borrowers over three years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gas sector review
The committee discussed the overall gas supply situation and instructed the Ministry of Petroleum to implement measures to reduce sectoral losses and enhance operational efficiency.
