ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is bracing for prolonged and widespread power outages as a deepening shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG), triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, severely disrupts electricity generation, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The country’s power shortfall surged to around 4,500 megawatts during peak evening hours, accounting for nearly a quarter of total demand, officials said. The crisis has intensified as the Iran–US conflict disrupts regional energy flows and effectively shuts down the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Compounding the situation, LNG exports from Qatar—Pakistan’s primary supplier—have been halted following attacks on key facilities, including the world’s largest LNG plant earlier this year.
Authorities have warned that loadshedding, initially limited to a few hours, has now extended beyond two hours in many areas during evening peaks. Reports from across the country indicate outages lasting up to 14 hours, particularly in rural regions.
The industrial sector is bearing a significant brunt of the crisis. Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, stated that industries are facing up to eight hours of power outages daily, threatening both exports and domestic manufacturing.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported LNG for power generation and is now exploring purchases from the spot market, though higher prices remain a major constraint. Analysts suggest that a drop in global LNG prices would be necessary to make such imports viable.
The energy crunch comes at a sensitive time as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in regional diplomacy, with potential talks between the United States and Iran expected to be hosted in Islamabad.
Amid the crisis, the government is also working to stabilise its financial position. Officials recently secured $3 billion in financial support from Saudi Arabia, which is expected to help manage external financing needs, including upcoming repayments to the United Arab Emirates.
With fuel supply disruptions, reduced hydropower output, and rising demand converging, Pakistan faces mounting pressure to manage its energy security while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
