The federal government has apologised to electricity consumers after a shortage of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) forced temporary additional load management during nighttime peak hours across Pakistan.
According to the Power Division, the unavailability of an RLNG cargo resulted in a significant reduction in electricity generation, putting additional pressure on the national power system.
The shortage reduced power generation by around 3,600 megawatts during nighttime peak hours, making it difficult for the system to meet electricity demand.
The Power Division said temporary load management of around 1.5 to 3 hours was therefore being carried out during peak nighttime periods to maintain a balance between electricity supply and demand.
Power Division apologises to consumers
The Power Division expressed regret over the temporary disruption and apologised to consumers affected by the additional nighttime load management.
The government said the situation was linked to the delayed availability of the RLNG cargo and described the additional load management as temporary.
The shortage has nevertheless added to public frustration, particularly in areas already experiencing electricity outages during the summer season.
The Power Division said the situation would improve once the delayed RLNG cargo reaches the port and fuel supplies become available for power generation.
Mangla generation also declines
The pressure on the electricity system was further increased by a decline in generation from Mangla.
According to the Power Division, Mangla’s contribution to electricity generation fell by around 195 megawatts, adding to the shortfall created by the RLNG shortage.
With generation capacity under pressure during peak hours, authorities turned to additional measures to maintain the stability of the power system.
The government said furnace-oil-based power plants were also operated during peak hours to help meet electricity demand.
The use of these plants was intended to partially offset the reduction in generation caused by the shortage of RLNG and the decline in hydropower generation.
Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad affected
The electricity shortage has increased pressure on power supplies in several parts of Punjab.
Reports of longer load-shedding have emerged from cities including Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad, where consumers are already dealing with high temperatures and increased electricity demand.
Nighttime outages can be particularly disruptive for households during periods of extreme heat, when demand for cooling and other electrical appliances remains high.
The latest situation has therefore raised concerns among consumers who are facing additional interruptions beyond their routine electricity schedules.
No additional load management during daytime
The Power Division clarified that the temporary additional load management is being carried out during nighttime peak hours and that there is no such additional load management during the daytime.
However, the ministry said some areas continue to experience load management because of high distribution losses.
Consumers in those areas are being supplied electricity according to their scheduled load-shedding plans.
This means that while the RLNG-related shortage is responsible for the additional nighttime pressure on the system, areas already subject to scheduled load management because of distribution losses will continue to follow their existing schedules.
Government expects situation to improve
The Power Division said the additional nighttime load management would be reduced once the delayed RLNG cargo arrives at the port and fuel supplies improve.
The government is therefore expecting electricity generation to recover as the fuel situation becomes more stable.
Until then, authorities are relying on available generation resources, including furnace-oil-based power plants, to help manage demand during peak hours.
The ministry has also urged consumers to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption during nighttime peak hours.
Officials said limiting electricity use during these periods could help ease pressure on the national grid and support efforts to balance supply and demand.
Power shortage adds to summer pressure
The latest disruption comes as electricity demand remains high during the summer, particularly because of increased use of air conditioners, fans and other cooling equipment.
For consumers in areas already experiencing scheduled outages, the temporary additional nighttime load management could further affect daily routines.
The government’s apology reflects the pressure created by the temporary generation shortfall, while the Power Division has maintained that the situation is expected to ease after the delayed RLNG shipment arrives.
For now, authorities are continuing to monitor electricity generation and demand while using available power plants and asking consumers to limit consumption during peak nighttime hours.
Also read: Pakistan Faces Nighttime Load Shedding Again
