On February 18, 2026, the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) submitted a request to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for an increase in electricity prices by 1.78 PKR per unit, citing the need for a monthly fuel adjustment for January. The request comes as the country grapples with economic challenges, with NEPRA scheduled to hold a hearing on February 26 to discuss this potential increase. According to CPPA, a total of 9.14 billion units of electricity were generated in January, while 8.76 billion units were supplied to distribution companies. The average cost of electricity during this period was reported at 12.17 PKR per unit, against a reference cost of 10.39 PKR per unit, indicating a significant gap that the agency seeks to address through the proposed price hike (Hum News, Aaj TV Latest). This increase is expected to further burden consumers already facing high inflation, as the country has seen a rise in petroleum prices, with petrol increasing by 5 PKR to 258.17 PKR per liter and high-speed diesel by 7.32 PKR to 275.70 PKR per liter (Hum News).