ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Diya TV) — Pakistan will suspend electricity supply for about two hours during evening hours as it struggles to manage rising energy costs. Officials say the move aims to ease pressure on the national grid and reduce reliance on expensive fuel imports. The decision comes as the ongoing Iran war continues to disrupt energy flows across the region. The conflict has pushed fuel prices higher and deepened an already severe energy crisis in the country.
Government officials say electricity demand spikes between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. This surge places heavy strain on the power system. During these hours, households increase usage for lighting, cooling, and cooking. At the same time, hydropower output has declined. Lower water levels have reduced electricity generation from dams. This has created a gap between supply and demand. Officials say the country must fill this gap with fossil fuels. These include oil and gas imports. However, rising global prices have made these options far more expensive.
The regional energy crisis has driven up the cost of fuel imports. The situation worsened after disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. Supply chains have tightened, and prices have surged.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel for power generation. When prices rise, the government faces tough choices. It can either pass costs on to consumers or reduce supply to control spending. Authorities have chosen to manage the situation through controlled outages. These planned cuts aim to reduce peak demand and avoid larger system failures.
Officials say the two-hour evening outages will help balance the grid. The government hopes this step will prevent unplanned blackouts, which can last much longer and cause more disruption.
The outages will likely rotate across different areas. This approach aims to spread the impact evenly. Authorities say essential services will receive priority and may not face cuts. Energy experts say planned outages can help in the short term. They allow grid operators to maintain stability during periods of high demand. However, they also highlight deeper issues in the energy system.
The power cuts may affect millions of people. Evening hours are crucial for daily routines. Families rely on electricity for lighting, cooking, and cooling after sunset. Businesses may also feel the impact. Shops, restaurants, and small industries often see peak activity in the evening. Even short outages can disrupt operations and reduce income. Some businesses may turn to backup generators. However, fuel costs for generators have also increased. This adds another layer of financial strain.
Pakistan has faced energy shortages for years. The country struggles with limited domestic resources, outdated infrastructure, and rising demand. Experts say the current crisis shows the need for long-term solutions. These include investing in renewable energy, improving efficiency, and reducing reliance on imports. Solar and wind power offer potential alternatives. They can reduce dependence on costly fossil fuels. However, these solutions require time and investment.
Officials say the government is working on broader energy reforms. These include efforts to increase local power generation and improve grid management. Authorities also urge consumers to conserve electricity. Simple steps, such as reducing usage during peak hours, can help ease pressure on the system. The government says the outages are temporary. However, it has not provided a clear timeline for when the normal supply will resume.
