ISLAMABAD: The government has budgeted an additional Rs406 billion, separate from the regular electricity bill subsidies (TDS), to control the growth of circular debt despite tariff increases.
Sources from the Finance Ministry disclosed that from 2011 to 2024, Rs2,707 billion has been utilized to manage the circular debt issue. For the ongoing fiscal year, Rs460 billion has been allocated for this purpose, in addition to the regular subsidies provided on electricity bills (TDS).
According to the year-wise data:
- In the fiscal year 2011-12, Rs312 billion was used to manage circular debt growth.
- The subsequent fiscal year 2012-13 saw an allocation of Rs342 billion.
- In 2013-14, Rs138 billion was utilized.
- From 2014-15 to 2019-20, no amount was budgeted for this purpose.
- In the fiscal year 2020-21, Rs167 billion was allocated.
- The fiscal year 2021-22 saw a significant allocation of Rs516 billion.
- In 2022-23, Rs215 billion was used.
- The fiscal year 2023-24 utilized Rs556 billion.
Official data indicates that for the current fiscal year, Rs461 billion has been budgeted to manage the circular debt growth. From 2011 to 2024, a total of Rs2,707 billion has been allocated for this purpose, in addition to the regular electricity bill subsidies (TDS).
