ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is running its furnace oil-based power generation to full capacity and delaying nuclear plant maintenance, as it scrambles to manage electricity shortages caused by disruptions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies amid the Iran war, the power minister said on Thursday.
The supply crunch comes as Qatar’s force majeure stemming from the Iran war have disrupted LNG imports, forcing countries such as Pakistan to seek alternative fuels or expensive spot cargoes. Areas throughout Pakistan experienced loadshedding on Wednesday.
The country is facing a shortfall of around 3,400 megawatts due to reduced hydropower output, as rainfall and lower irrigation demand have limited water releases from reservoirs, Awais Leghari, power minister told a press conference.
There has also been a sharp drop in LNG-based generation, prompting load management of up to 6-7 hours in some areas, Leghari added.
