Pakistan’s electricity shortfall rises to 5,500 MW

ISLAMABAD: Prolong power outage is plaguing the country as electricity shortfall climbed to 5,500 megawatts in Pakistan, sources said on Sunday.

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.

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The country’s electricity demand is 24,000 megawatts, while the total electricity production is 18,540 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 Rs 2,310 billion till June 2023, showing an increase of Rs 325 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.

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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 Rs 5 to Rs 7 per unit in July. – INP