Pakistan’s worsening electricity crisis has been laid bare after the power minister disclosed what he described as a direct operational “formula” linking supply shortages to the duration of nationwide outages. He said the current energy deficit is so severe that every 500 to 600 megawatts of shortfall translates into roughly one hour of load shedding, explaining why large parts of the country are now enduring around 6 to 7 hours of daily power cuts.

The statement comes amid rising pressure on the national grid, where fluctuating demand and shrinking generation capacity have created a widening gap between electricity supply and consumption. Officials say the system is struggling to respond to sudden spikes in demand while simultaneously dealing with fuel-related constraints that have sharply reduced available generation.

A major blow has come from LNG-based power plants, which together have an installed capacity of around 6,000 megawatts but are currently generating only about 500 megawatts due to severe fuel supply disruptions linked to regional conditions. This drastic drop has removed a key source of relatively efficient power from the system, forcing reliance on more expensive and limited alternatives.

Hydropower output has also weakened compared to previous years, further tightening supply conditions at a time when demand has shown sharp volatility. The government said furnace oil-based generation is being used to partially offset the shortfall, but it remains insufficient to close the gap.

Despite these measures, the country is still facing an estimated deficit of around 3,400 megawatts, keeping the grid under sustained strain. Authorities have urged consumers to reduce electricity usage, warning that the situation reflects an ongoing energy emergency shaped by external pressures and fuel availability challenges.