Power Minister Attributes Load-Shedding to Gas Supply Disruptions Amid Middle East Conflict
In a news conference held in Islamabad this afternoon, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari addressed the ongoing electricity load-shedding affecting Pakistan, attributing it to significant disruptions in gas supply stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He emphasized that this measure is a temporary compulsion, not a choice, driven by external factors beyond immediate control.
Multiple Factors Compelling Load-Shedding During Peak Hours
The Minister detailed that the Power Division was forced to initiate load-shedding during peak hours due to a combination of critical issues. Reduced water releases from Mangla and Tarbela dams have severely impacted hydropower generation, a key component of the national grid. This reduction is partly due to recent rains, which have decreased farmers' water demand for crops, inadvertently affecting the availability of water for power production.
Compounding this, a decline in overall power generation has been exacerbated by the gas supply disruptions, as many thermal plants rely on imported gas, particularly LNG, from the Middle East. The current electricity shortfall is estimated to be around four thousand megawatts, creating a substantial gap between supply and demand that necessitates managed outages to prevent grid instability.
Temporary Situation with Hopes for Swift Resolution
Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari reassured the public that this situation is temporary and expected to improve once LNG supplies resume normal flow. He expressed optimism that the electricity situation could see enhancements as early as tonight, depending on logistical and diplomatic developments in the region.
The Minister's statement highlights the interconnected nature of global energy markets and regional conflicts, underscoring how external geopolitical tensions can directly impact domestic infrastructure and daily life in Pakistan. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to mitigate effects and restore full power supply as conditions allow.
