Cabinet is sitting today to decide on the proposed increase in electricity charges which was earlier announced by the Commerce Commission.

The Commission had announced that it had granted FEA an increase in the fuel surcharge rate from 2.83 cents per unit to 5.53 cents per unit, after careful consideration. The new fuel surcharge rate was supposed to come into effect from last Thursday.

However, Interim Finance and Energy Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry stopped the increase, saying that any such decision should be approved by cabinet.

Meanwhile FEA Chairman, Nizam Ud-Dean said they are awaiting the cabinet decision before taking further steps. He confirms that based on the increasing fuel costs their expenses have increased to more than 4 million dollars a month.