KARACHI: Karachi could face electricity outages during evening and nighttime peak hours as disruptions to gas supplies linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict threaten power generation, K-Electric warned.
The warning comes as Pakistan faces shortages of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), which is used to fuel power plants. The situation has been aggravated by disruptions to LNG shipments from Qatar, one of Pakistan’s major gas suppliers.
K-Electric spokesperson Imran Rana said the utility might resort to load management as a last resort if fuel constraints affected electricity generation during peak demand periods.
He said the nationwide RLNG shortage, caused by international supply disruptions and delayed cargoes, was affecting power generation across the country, including K-Electric’s service area.
Rana added that electricity supply during daytime hours was expected to remain largely stable. The utility was coordinating with Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) and relevant authorities to restore normal supply arrangements as soon as possible.
The supply uncertainty follows QatarEnergy’s decision to halt production and declare force majeure in March after attacks on its facilities disrupted operations. Last month, the company extended the suspension of affected LNG deliveries until November 5, prolonging uncertainty for countries dependent on Qatari gas.
In response, Pakistan’s petroleum ministry has prepared a contingency plan requiring state-owned PLL to explore alternative LNG supplies from the United States, the Middle East and Azerbaijan.
However, high prices in international spot markets have complicated efforts to secure replacement cargoes, raising concerns about the cost of meeting the country’s energy requirements.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and principal commercial and industrial centre, is particularly vulnerable to electricity supply disruptions. Power shortages during evening and nighttime peak hours could affect households, businesses and industrial operations, adding to the challenges posed by rising energy costs.
The situation highlights Pakistan’s dependence on imported gas and the need to diversify energy supplies to reduce exposure to international market disruptions.
