The Pakistani government has initiated over two hours of loadshedding during peak hours, excluding Karachi and Hyderabad, as a response to the global energy crisis ignited by the Middle East conflict.
This decision for loadshedding follows Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation to US-Israel actions, causing a worldwide scramble to conserve energy resources.
According to a spokesperson from the Power Division, electricity supply will be halted daily from 5 PM to 1 AM for approximately two and a half hours to reduce reliance on expensive fuel and prevent electricity price increases.
The spokesperson highlighted that the government’s primary challenge is managing the surge in electricity demand during peak hours, exacerbated by decreased hydel power production.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Power Division to minimize any potential rise in electricity costs, even if furnace oil usage results in a slight increase.
Despite the crisis, the power tariff has decreased by Re0.71 per unit on average from July to February due to reforms and strategic planning.
To maintain low tariffs, 80 MMCFD of local gas has been allocated to power plants, averting an Re0.80 per unit increase and preventing additional load management.
The government aims to prevent a Rs3 per unit hike in electricity prices through this strategy, although a Rs1.5 per unit rise is anticipated without these measures.
Instructions have been issued for DISCOs to communicate electricity shutdown schedules to consumers, ensuring transparency and minimizing inconvenience.
The Power Division clarified that this action is part of a ‘Peak Relief Strategy’ and not traditional load management, with exemptions for K-Electric and Hesco due to their reliance on cheaper electricity sources.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 15, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
