Pakistan's Power Minister Promises Relief from Load Shedding

Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has assured consumers that the government is taking measures to reduce electricity load shedding in Pakistan. He attributed current power shortages to regional and global energy challenges, including the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The disruptions in gas and re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supplies have affected power generation, making it difficult to meet electricity demand, particularly during night-time hours. Gas-fired power plants generate around 5,000 megawatts (MW) and are crucial for meeting demand at night, when national electricity consumption rises to between 20,000MW and 25,000MW.

The government is trying to increase the availability of local gas, arrange additional RLNG supplies, and coordinate with relevant energy-sector institutions to improve power generation. Leghari said that purchasing expensive gas from the spot market could raise electricity prices by around Rs5 to Rs6 per unit in the following months.