Pakistan is facing the impact of the ongoing global oil crisis triggered by tensions between Iran and the United States, with citizens now dealing with strict cost-cutting measures introduced by the government. As part of these efforts, authorities have announced daily load shedding of around 2.25 hours to manage rising energy expenses and reduce pressure on the power sector.
The Power Division recently shared updates on electricity pricing and system management, highlighting what it described as significant relief for consumers, while also cautioning about increasing strain during peak usage hours. According to officials, electricity users received relief worth Rs46 billion between July and February, and tariffs were reduced by 71 paisas per unit despite continued volatility in global fuel prices.
This reduction was termed “unexpected relief,” achieved through a series of reforms, including strict implementation of merit-based power generation, better planning, targeted subsidies, and a shift toward more affordable energy sources. Improved utilization of existing capacity also contributed to lowering costs. However, authorities acknowledged that underlying challenges still persist.
Officials warned that while overall electricity generation remains stable and sufficient to meet demand, consumption during peak hours is becoming a growing concern. Increased reliance on costly fuel sources during these hours could drive tariffs higher if not carefully controlled.
To address this issue, the government has introduced a load management plan involving approximately 2.25 hours of daily outages, particularly between 5 PM and 1 AM when demand is at its highest. This measure is aimed at reducing the use of expensive fuels and preventing a potential increase of nearly Rs3 per unit in electricity prices.
Additionally, on the Prime Minister’s directives, 80 MMCFD of domestic gas has been redirected to power plants, helping avoid a further rise of about 80 paisas per unit. Officials warned that without such interventions, electricity costs could have surged by Rs5 to Rs6 per unit.
Power distribution companies have also been instructed to provide advance load-shedding schedules, while businesses have been urged to close earlier to help ease pressure on the grid during peak hours.
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