KARACHI: In light of the developing situation regarding fuel supply to the country, K-Electric (KE) has secured the supply of 25000 metric tonnes (MT) of furnace oil to ensure that all available generation capacity is maximised. The shipment is expected to enter into Pakistan's waters around first July.
The effort to secure this supply required significant inter-ministerial support and coordination and KE's urgent response to manage the precarious situation reflects the utility's commitment to serve its customers.
KE thanked the Ministry of Energy Petroleum Division for their quick approval of KE's request, and the Power Division for expedited processing. Upon arrival, the ship will require the support of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to allow early docking on a fast-track basis to enable the fuel to be discharged. PSO's network will be used to channel the supply to KE's storage facilities.
CEO KE, Moonis Alvi commented, "KE is grateful for the support from all departments and ministries. If these prompt and urgent measures go as planned and there is no reduction in supply of gas to KE below already restricted levels, it will enable us to continue providing a stable supply of power to Karachi. The addition of this stock will replenish our fuel inventory to safe stock levels and ensure that generation is not curtailed because of fuel supply shortfalls. KE is committed to effectively managing the developing situation to the best extent to minimise inconvenience to our customers."
The fuel supply will allow KE to manage Karachi's demand, and restrict load-shed as per policy only to areas with high line losses with a maximum duration in highest loss areas at 7.5 hours. A schedule of such areas is available on KE website.
In isolated cases, there may be temporary disruption due to remedial maintenance work. Prior information of such shutdowns is shared with customers registered via 8119 SMS service. The utility emphasised that such shutdowns should not be construed as load-shed.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021