Electricity shortfall in Pakistan has surged to 6,623 megawatts, with major cities experiencing up to six hours of load shedding and up to eight hours in rural areas. The country’s electricity demand is 25,800 megawatts, compared to a total production of 19,177 megawatts. Pakistan’s power sector circular debt reached Rs 2,635 billion, showing a substantial increase. The IMF has urged a further electricity tariff increase to mitigate the burden on the power sector.
ISLAMABAD: Prolong power outage crippled the country as electricity shortfall climbed to 6,623 megawatts in Pakistan, ARY News reported.
According to sources, the major cities are facing up to six hours of load shedding and up to eight hours in rural areas whereas in the areas with high line losses, load shedding of 12 to 14 hours is ongoing.
The country’s electricity demand has reached 25,800 megawatts, while the total electricity production is 19,177 megawatts, according to Power Division sources.
Earlier, an official report of the power ministry stated that the circular debt of Pakistan’s power sector soared to Rs 2,635 billion till January 2024.
According to a report released by the power division, the hike in circular debt continued despite the massive increase in power tariffs and fuel adjustments.
The circular debt increase was recorded at Rs2,310 billion till June 2023, showing an increase of Rs325 billion during the seven months (January 24).
The report stated that poor performance and low recoveries by the DISCOs added to the increase in the circular debt.
It is pertinent to mention here that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demanded further increase in electricity prices, citing an additional burden of Rs 150 billion on the power sector.
According to sources, the IMF has asked the Ministry of Energy to increase the electricity tariff from Rs5 to Rs7 per unit in July.
Pakistan currently faces a significant challenge in meeting its electricity demand, with a shortfall reaching 6,623 MW. This has profound implications for the country’s economy and the daily lives of its citizens. The electricity shortfall has resulted in prolonged power outages, hampering industrial production and affecting the quality of life for many Pakistanis. Addressing this shortfall requires a multifaceted approach, involving investment in renewable energy sources, transmission infrastructure, and energy efficiency measures. Government initiatives and private-sector participation are vital in overcoming this challenge and ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the country. By working together to tackle the root causes of the shortfall, Pakistan can pave the way for a brighter and more energy-secure future.
Source: ARY NEWS
Pakistan is grappling with a severe electricity shortfall of 6,623 megawatts, causing prolonged power outages across the country. Major cities are facing up to six hours of load shedding, while rural areas endure up to eight hours. The circular debt in the power sector has surged to Rs 2,635 billion, despite tariff hikes and fuel adjustments. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Ministry of Energy to raise electricity tariffs further, potentially burdening the power sector with an additional Rs 150 billion. The country’s electricity demand has reached 25,800 megawatts, while the total production stands at 19,177 megawatts.
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