KARACHI: Pakistan’s total electricity generation rose 6% year-on-year (YoY) to 8,939 GWh in March 2026, compared to 8,409 GWh in the same month last year, reflecting improved demand and a shifting energy mix.
On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, generation jumped 16% from 7,696 GWh in February, driven largely by seasonal factors and higher consumption.
The increase was led by strong growth in hydropower and imported coal-based generation. Hydel output surged 62% YoY to 2,105 GWh, raising its share in the energy mix to 23.5% from 15.4% a year earlier. Imported coal generation recorded a sharp 126% increase to 1,234 GWh, indicating a move toward relatively lower-cost fuel options.
Local coal-based generation also grew by 8% to 1,498 GWh, while gas-fired power rose modestly by 4% to 1,014 GWh. In contrast, RLNG-based generation declined sharply by 67% to 504 GWh, highlighting reduced reliance on expensive imported gas.
Nuclear generation fell 12% YoY to 1,962 GWh, although it posted a 35% recovery compared to February. Among renewable sources, wind power increased 34% to 309 GWh, while solar generation dropped 12% to 106 GWh.
For the first nine months of FY2025-26, total power generation reached 93,131 GWh, marking a 3% increase from the same period last year. Hydropower remained the largest contributor with a 30% share, followed by nuclear at 18.4% and RLNG at 14.8%.
The country’s energy mix continues to evolve, with hydel and coal gaining prominence while RLNG and nuclear shares decline. Notably, imported coal’s share rose to 13.8% in March 2026, up from 6.5% a year earlier, underscoring a structural shift in fuel utilization.
Meanwhile, the average fuel cost of generation declined 14.6% YoY to Rs8.08 per kWh, compared to Rs9.46 last year, remaining largely stable on a monthly basis.
Fuel price trends showed mixed movement: RLNG costs increased 6% YoY, and imported fuel prices rose 28%. However, prices of imported and local coal dropped by 14% and 9%, respectively, helping ease overall generation costs. Bagasse-based generation saw a 76% rise in fuel costs, while gas prices increased 12% year-on-year.
Story by Tanveer Malik
