Karachi could face power cuts during evening and nighttime peak hours because of a nationwide regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) shortage linked to international supply disruptions, K-Electric warned on Friday. The utility said daytime supply would remain largely stable.
K-Electric warns of possible load management
K-Electric spokesperson Imran Rana said on X that the utility may need to carry out load management as an “extreme, last-resort measure” if required.
“Due to a nationwide RLNG constraint stemming from international supply disruptions and delayed cargoes — affecting generation across the country including KE’s territory — KE may need to undertake load management as an extreme, last-resort measure during evening/night peak hours, if necessitated,”
Rana said K-Electric was coordinating with Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) and relevant authorities to restore normal operations as soon as possible.
Qatar LNG disruptions add to supply uncertainty
The warning comes as Pakistan continues to face uncertainty over LNG supplies from Qatar, one of its principal suppliers, after disruptions to energy infrastructure during the US-Iran conflict.
According to the source, QatarEnergy halted production and declared force majeure in March after attacks on its facilities disrupted operations. Last month, the company extended the suspension of affected deliveries until Nov. 5, prolonging uncertainty for countries that depend on Qatari gas.
With Qatari supplies still uncertain, 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.
Spot market prices complicate replacement cargoes
The source said elevated prices in the international spot market have made it harder to secure replacement cargoes, raising concerns about the cost of maintaining fuel supplies.
The situation is especially sensitive for Karachi, Pakistan’s main financial and industrial center, where reliable electricity is essential for factories, businesses and households.
