Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has stated that the current phase of power load shedding in the country is due to the crisis in the Middle East, and that the situation will ease once the issue between the US and Iran is resolved. He expressed this while addressing a press conference on Thursday.
He said that he wanted to present the facts about load shedding to the public. The current situation is a result of conditions in the region, and Pakistan’s situation is much better than that of other countries.
Responding to a question, he stated, ‘We cannot generate electricity from gas during peak hours. However, we have brought Pakistan out of darkness for good. Due to reduced water releases from dams, hydropower generation currently stands at 1,676 MW, with a shortfall of 1,530 MW, he added.
No load shedding is being carried out during daytime hours. In the first 15 days of April, daily electricity demand ranged between 15,000 and 20,000 MW. In April last year, 3,000 MW of electricity was being generated from LNG plants, he explained.
We are also facing challenges due to the shutdown of imported gas supplies. In April this year, 1,671 MW of electricity was generated from LNG, and load shedding had to be increased as required, he reiterated.
Oil prices in the global market are expected to decline, and petrol and diesel are likely to become cheaper. However, he disclosed that from tonight, the load shedding situation will improve.
Load shedding is being carried out in the industrial sector as well, including both rural and urban areas. Responding to a question, he stated that some people are spreading misinformation on social media without proper research.
He said that there is strong hope that the electricity crisis will be resolved within a few days. He added that the current situation is linked to the regional conflict involving Iran. Load shedding will end as hydropower production increases. Owais Leghari said that efforts are being made to import LNG and arrange cheaper gas. He apologised for load shedding during peak hours and stated that it will come to an end as LNG supply and hydropower production increase.
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