At least three liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes meant for Pakistan are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf due to continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, according to vessel-tracking data reported by Bloomberg. The delay has raised serious concerns over worsening electricity shortages as temperatures continue to rise.
Pakistan has not received any LNG shipment for more than a month since the disruption of the key shipping route, increasing the possibility of prolonged power outages across the country, officials said.
Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari recently stated that load-shedding during peak hours would continue until LNG supplies are restored. This came after Qatar declared force majeure on deliveries affected by regional shipping issues.
Pakistan is also negotiating with Qatar to secure four additional LNG cargoes, but their arrival remains uncertain if traffic through the strait does not return to normal.
The supply shortage has already forced authorities to rely more on furnace-oil-based power generation and postpone maintenance work at nuclear plants in order to maintain electricity supply.
According to officials, the country is currently facing a power shortfall of around 3,400 megawatts due to lower hydropower generation caused by reduced rainfall and weaker irrigation demand.
Electricity production from LNG-based plants, which have a total capacity of around 6,000 megawatts, has dropped sharply to nearly 500 megawatts because of gas shortages.
Hydropower output has also fallen to around 1,600 megawatts, nearly half the level recorded during the same period last year. In several areas, load management has reached six to seven hours daily.
Globally, uncertainty over energy shipping routes continues despite a temporary ceasefire linked to the Iran conflict. Fresh tensions emerged after the United States reportedly seized an Iranian cargo vessel, while Iranian military leaders warned of possible retaliation.
Officials warned that any long-term disruption to LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz could further worsen Pakistan’s fuel shortages and make it harder to stabilize electricity supply during peak summer demand.
