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April 17, 2026
Energy Minister Awais Leghari says increased hydropower generation will help ease loadshedding caused by fuel shortages and LNG disruptions.
Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said that increased hydropower generation in the coming days is expected to ease loadshedding across Pakistan.
The Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) attributed the recent rise in power outages to fuel shortages and a significant drop in hydropower generation. He noted that reduced water-based electricity production created a shortfall of around 1,600MW, while disruptions in LNG supplies added a further deficit of over 3,000MW.
Leghari explained that LNG supply interruptions, linked to regional tensions, have forced the government to rely on more expensive alternatives such as furnace oil. Currently, around 1,400MW of electricity is being generated using furnace oil, which could lead to a fuel price adjustment increase of up to Rs1.30 per unit.
The minister said loadshedding intensifies when electricity demand exceeds 16,500MW, with every 500MW shortfall resulting in an additional hour of outages. He added that temporary measures, including up to two-and-a-half hours of loadshedding, were implemented to prevent further tariff hikes.
Despite the challenges, the government expects improved hydropower output and stabilising global conditions to help reduce outages in the near future.
