Residents across Punjab are grappling with severe electricity outages as power distribution companies struggle to manage a widening electricity supply-demand gap.
Reports indicate that both urban and rural areas are affected, though the situation is significantly worse in rural regions. Areas under Multan Electric Power Company are experiencing some of the longest outages, with loadshedding stretching up to 16 hours daily.
Rural Areas Hit Hardest by Power Outages
Villagers in districts like Muzaffargarh and Khanewal report enduring 12 to 16 hours of daily loadshedding, severely affecting sleep, productivity, and daily routines.
Residents say the situation has worsened abruptly in recent days, leaving many without explanation from local authorities.
Urban Centers Also Facing Power Cuts
Urban areas are not immune to the crisis. In Faisalabad, residents report around four hours of daily outages, while citizens in Lahore and Kasur are experiencing three to eight hours of loadshedding.
Meanwhile, similar complaints have emerged from areas served by Gujranwala Electric Power Company, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
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Officials Deny Major Shortfall in Lahore
A spokesperson for Lahore Electric Supply Company denied significant loadshedding in Lahore, stating that the power shortfall remains minimal.
According to official figures:
- Demand: 2,104 MW
- Allocation: 2,150 MW
- Draw: 2,009 MW
- Shortfall: Only 95 MW
The spokesperson clarified that outages reported in certain areas are primarily due to scheduled maintenance or repair work.
حالیہ انٹرنیشنل پیٹرولیم بحران کے باعث بجلی کی پیداوار میں عارضی کمی واقع ھوئی ھے جس کے باعث آئیسکو ریجن میں باوقت ضرورت شہری اور دیہی علاقوں میں یکساں دورانیے کی لوڈ مینجمنٹ#IESCO #iescoofficialpk #electricity #media #PunjabGovernment #LoadManagement #MinistryofPower pic.twitter.com/dC5GgIk6Er
— Islamabad Electric Supply Co. IESCO (@IESCO_Official) April 13, 2026
Power Theft and High-Loss Feeders Blamed
Authorities also pointed to power theft and high-loss feeders as a major reason behind prolonged loadshedding in some areas. Officials stated that targeted outages are being enforced as a policy measure to discourage electricity theft.
Gas Shortage Worsens Power Generation Crisis
A senior official from the Petroleum Division revealed that gas supply to power plants has been significantly reduced, further aggravating the electricity crisis.
The situation has been worsened by a halt in LNG supplies, as Qatar has reportedly suspended liquefied natural gas shipments to Pakistan until May 9.
Currently, only 90 mmcfd of gas is being supplied to the power sector, with expectations to rise to 160 mmcfd in May.
Broader Energy Crisis and Future Outlook
The ongoing crisis reflects deeper structural challenges in Pakistan’s energy sector, including fuel shortages, reliance on imports, and infrastructure inefficiencies.
Officials warn that load management may continue in the coming weeks as authorities attempt to balance limited resources with rising electricity demand.
