ISLAMABAD (April 13, 2026) — Amid a critical shortage of imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and a looming summer demand spike, the federal government is moving on a “war footing” to double the domestic natural gas supply to the power sector. The shift aims to shield over 30 million electricity consumers from exponential tariff increases and crippling loadshedding as the regional conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets.
Gas supply to power sector may double amid LNG disruption https://t.co/QIRxdjd2Eo
— Khaleeq Kiani (@KhaleeqKiani) April 13, 2026
The Power Strategy at a Glance
-
The Surge: Gas supply to the power sector is set to rise from 85–90 mmcfd to approximately 160–170 mmcfd by early May.
-
The Trade-off: Diversions are being considered from households, the CNG sector, and potentially the fertilizer industry.
-
Cost Comparison: Running efficient plants on diesel costs Rs 50–54 per unit, compared to significantly lower rates for gas-based generation.
-
Conservation: Hybrid load management, including early market closures and 2–3 hours of daily loadshedding, is expected to continue.
The Minister’s Warning: Households vs. Power
Power Minister Awais Leghari issued a stark warning to the cabinet, noting that without this diversion, fuel cost adjustments (FCA) could more than double by May. Facing a choice between the “uproar of 7 million gas consumers or 30 million power consumers,” the government is leaning toward prioritizing the national grid to prevent a total economic stall.
According to an official statement, gas will now be provided twice a day, mainly during breakfast and dinner hours. The supply will remain suspended in the afternoon due to low pressure in the system. https://t.co/PkxhxkUtkM
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) April 13, 2026
Supply Enhancements & Constraints
Additional domestic gas has become available following the completion of a vital pipeline from the Bettani gas field in Lakki Marwat to Punjab. This infrastructure is critical because, without imported LNG, nearly 5,000MW of efficient power plants in Punjab risk becoming redundant or prohibitively expensive to operate on high-speed diesel.
Current Energy Challenges:
-
Hydropower: Delays in Tarbela T4/T5 and the continued closure of the 969MW Neelum-Jhelum plant have limited cheaper hydel options.
-
Alternative Fuel: While furnace oil stocks exceed 500,000 tonnes, the cost differential remains a massive burden on the national exchequer.
-
Fertilizer Risk: While the government aims to protect fertilizer plants, a wide price gap between local and imported urea (Rs 4,500 vs Rs 15,000 per bag) has raised fears of smuggling if production dips.
Summer Outlook
As peak summer demand is projected to hit 28,000MW—doubling the current requirement—the National Coordination and Management Council is overseeing the emergency allocation. Citizens have been advised to prepare for continued conservation measures, particularly during night hours when solar generation drops, as the state struggles to balance affordable rates with the reality of a global fuel blockade.
You May Like To Read: Rawalpindi Extends Holiday and Seals Key Arteries Amid US-Iran Negotiations in Islamabad
Check out our latest video:
