ISLAMABAD: K-Electric has warned that a looming shortage of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), coupled with the unavailability of furnace oil-based generation, could increase load-shedding by around three to four hours in its service areas unless urgent measures are taken to ensure adequate electricity generation.
In a letter of October 6, 2026, addressed to the Registrar of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) KE, Syed Muhammad Taha stated that the existing RLNG cargo was exhausted on October 6, while the arrival of the next cargo remained uncertain due to the prevailing geopolitical situation.
The company sought urgent intervention by the relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate generation capacity and avoid additional load-shedding in its service areas.
READ ALSO: Karachi’s industrial areas badly hit by load-shedding: study
KE referred to the ongoing force majeure situation affecting RLNG supplies and NEPRA’s review decision on the generation tariff of KE’s power plants, notified on September 23, 2026, followed by the Power Division’s notification on September 27, 2026.
According to the company, the decisions resulted in the discontinuation of tariffs for the BQPS-I plant, which is capable of operating on furnace oil, and the Korangi Combined Cycle Power Plant (KCCPP).
KE said a similar disruption in RLNG supplies occurred in September 2026, when BQPS-I was operated on furnace oil, with its dispatch reaching 335 megawatts to help meet electricity demand.
However, following notification of the review decision, the company said it could no longer operate BQPS-I and KCCPP under the prevailing tariff arrangements.
The company maintained that reduced gas availability, combined with the unavailability of furnace oil-based generation, had significantly constrained its available generation capacity.
It warned that the resulting supply shortfall could lead to an additional three to four hours of load-shedding or require the operation of BQPS-III on high-speed diesel (HSD), which would be an expensive option.
KE also drew attention to paragraph 10.17 of NEPRA’s review decision, stating that the regulator had observed that, based on the company’s representation, the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) would ensure that the termination of the plants did not affect electricity supplies in KE’s service areas.
The company urged the relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures on an urgent basis to address the emerging generation shortfall and maintain electricity supplies to consumers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments