Government weighs gas tariff increase under IMF pressure

The government is considering a gas tariff increase after the IMF urged authorities to pass rising costs on to consumers amid mounting circular debt.

The IMF has urged Pakistan to transfer rising gas costs directly to end consumers.

Circular debt across the country's gas sector has crossed Rs3,600 billion, according to finance officials.

The government is drafting a deregulation plan to privatise state-owned distribution utilities and encourage private investment.

A formal proposal prepared by the finance and petroleum ministries will soon be presented to the Prime Minister for approval.

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