Government announces new loadshedding and electricity rate hike

Pakistan faces daily blackouts and steeper electricity bills this summer.

Government struggles with fuel shortages and rising costs. Officials plan a mix of short load-shedding, must-do savings, and fuel price hikes to keep lights on during peak hours. Liquefied natural gas supplies plunge soon. LNG powers over 21 percent of electricity now but may hit zero next month. Coal imports and local stocks stay low too.

These fuels make up nearly 30 percent of grid power. To fill the gap, plants switch to costly furnace oil. It generates power at Rs35 per unit double LNG’s Rs20 or coal’s Rs13.50. Four LNG plants shut down, cutting 5000 megawatts. Bills may jump Rs10-12 per unit.

Summer demand hits 27000-28000 megawatts. Current peak stays under 14,000 thanks to more solar use. Still, expect 2-3 hours of daily cuts based on fuel flow.Gas firms warn of just 80 million cubic feet daily for plants. They may halt CNG supplies to prioritize electricity. Coal transport snags hit big plants in Sahiwal and Jamshoro—rail disputes threaten 1,800 megawatts.

High-speed diesel stays off-grid due to Rs80-plus cost and needs in farms and trucks. Government pushes strict conservation and auto bill adjustments. Households prepare for tougher months ahead. Save energy now to ease the strain.