Islamabad: Pakistan is facing a worsening energy crisis as at least three liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes meant for the country remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, amid continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to vessel-tracking data, Pakistan has not received any LNG shipment for over a month, raising concerns of prolonged power outages as summer demand rises. Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari confirmed that load-shedding during peak hours will persist until supplies resume, noting that Qatar has declared force majeure on deliveries.
The country is currently facing a power shortfall of around 3,400 megawatts, worsened by reduced hydropower generation due to low water releases. LNG-based plants, with a capacity of 6,000 MW, are operating far below capacity, producing only about 500 MW.
As a result, some areas are experiencing outages lasting up to seven hours. The situation is further complicated by rising regional tensions, with uncertainty surrounding a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States threatening to delay any resolution.
