Pakistan to reduce loadshedding from tonight, says power minister

Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has announced a reduction in electricity loadshedding starting tonight.

Speaking at a press conference, the minister apologised for the inconvenience caused to the public and said efforts were underway to improve the power supply. He added that electricity availability would improve from tonight compared to previous days.

He clarified that no additional load shedding was carried out in areas served by K-Electric and HESCO, noting that K-Electric is currently drawing a record 2,100 megawatts from the national grid.

The minister said the country is facing a shortfall of around 4,000 megawatts, attributing it to disruptions in gas supply due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and a decline of approximately 1,600 megawatts in hydropower generation.

He further explained that reduced availability of LNG has contributed to a shortage of over 3,000 megawatts, while lower water levels have impacted hydropower output.

According to Awais Leghari, electricity demand in April has ranged between 9,000 and 20,000 megawatts, with load shedding increasing when demand exceeds 16,500 megawatts. He expressed hope that the situation would improve once hydropower generation rises.

The minister added that around 1,400 megawatts are currently being generated using furnace oil, warning that this could lead to a fuel price adjustment of up to Rs1.30 per unit.

He maintained that the current crisis is temporary and linked to fuel supply constraints, particularly LNG availability.