Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has announced that electricity loadshedding across the country will be reduced starting tonight, despite an ongoing power shortfall of nearly 4,000 megawatts.
The minister apologised for the inconvenience faced by the public and said the government has consistently worked to improve power supply conditions. He stated that electricity availability is expected to improve compared to the previous day.
He clarified that no loadshedding is being carried out in Hyderabad and for consumers of K-Electric, which is currently drawing a record 2,100 megawatts from the national grid.
According to the minister, the country is facing a significant energy gap due to multiple factors, including reduced gas supply, geopolitical disruptions, and a decline of around 1,600 megawatts in hydropower generation. He added that LNG supply issues have caused shortages of over 3,000 megawatts.
Electricity demand in April has fluctuated between 9,000 and 20,000 megawatts, with loadshedding increasing when demand exceeds 16,500 megawatts. The minister said approximately 1,400 megawatts are currently being generated through furnace oil, describing the situation as temporary.
He also noted that earlier load management of 2.5 hours was intended to stabilise electricity prices, while warning that increased use of furnace oil could raise the fuel price adjustment by around Rs1.30 per unit.
When questioned about regulatory concerns, the minister said that so-called “economic loadshedding” would eventually be formalised.
Authorities have indicated that efforts are underway to stabilise supply and reduce disruptions in the coming days.
