Govt declares 2.25 hours of daily loadshedding amid fuel constraints

April 14, 2026 (MLN): Amid fuel supply constraints, the government on Tuesday declared over two hours of scheduled electricity suspension daily during peak hours, aimed at preventing a sharp rise in power tariffs.

According to the Power Division, electricity supply will remain suspended for around 2.25 hours each day between 5:00pm and 1:00am as part of efforts to curb reliance on expensive fuel sources and contain pressure on electricity prices.

The decision comes in the backdrop of disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports after Qatar declared force majeure on supplies following reported attacks on its gas field amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Qatar remains Pakistan’s primary LNG supplier under two long-term agreements that allow imports of up to 1,000 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd).

The system is currently capable of meeting overall electricity demand; however, the issue becomes more pronounced during evening peak hours when consumption spikes, largely due to reduced hydropower generation.

Meeting this shortfall through costly fuel-based generation, they warned, could significantly increase electricity tariffs.

The Power Division noted that recent policy and operational measures had helped reduce electricity costs, with average tariffs falling by 71 paisa per unit between July and February despite rising fuel prices. This translated into consumer relief of around Rs46bn.

It said the reduction was achieved through structural reforms, better planning, targeted relief measures, and improved system efficiency, including prioritising low-cost generation and reducing transmission and administrative losses, as reported by Dawn.

Despite difficult global conditions, the power system has remained stable and continues to meet demand, the statement added, noting that the situation is being closely monitored under the supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

It has also been directed that electricity prices must be shielded from sharp increases. Even if furnace oil use becomes necessary, efforts are underway to keep any tariff impact minimal.

According to the Power Division, the provision of 80mmcfd of local gas to power plants has already helped avoid an estimated 80 paisa per unit increase, while also reducing the need for additional load management.

The current 2.25-hour peak-hour load management is intended to prevent an estimated rise of around Rs3 per unit. Without these measures, electricity prices could have increased by Rs5 to Rs6 per unit, they added.

Distribution companies have been instructed to provide feeder-wise outage schedules to ensure consumers are informed in advance. The Power Division emphasised that no unplanned outages will be allowed, and local faults will be communicated promptly by relevant offices.

The government maintained that it is working to minimise the impact of global energy market conditions on consumers and described the measure not as traditional loadshedding, but as part of a “Peak Relief Strategy” designed to manage costs during high-demand hours.

It further stated that coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities, including timely closure of commercial markets, could help further reduce demand and limit pressure on electricity prices.

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