Power Minister Awais Leghari said on Thursday that the government was apologetic over load-shedding during peak hours.
Addressing a press conference, Leghari said Pakistan had been brought out of darkness and that lasting measures had been taken to improve the power sector. He said that the country was currently facing pressure due to regional conditions, adding that the shortfall in gas-based electricity stood at 2,500 megawatts.
Leghari said gas supplies had not been received due to Iran-United States tensions.
The power minister said hydropower was also facing a shortfall of 1,530 megawatts and electricity generation from water resources had been affected due to scarcity.
He added that electricity demand often rose above 16,000 megawatts and at times reached 18,000 to 20,000 megawatts, creating additional pressure on the system.
The minister said diesel-based power plants were being operated to meet demand, though this could increase costs for consumers.
He said no load-shedding had initially been carried out in industry, but it was later introduced when demand increased.
Leghari said that reforms were being introduced in the energy sector and electricity prices had been largely controlled.
He said four thousand megawatts of shortfall was currently being faced, while K-Electric was receiving 2,160 megawatts from the national grid.
He added that imported gas supplies were suspended from 1 April, which had increased difficulties, and that all available options were being used to manage the situation.
He said hydropower output had also been reduced due to water shortages, while generation from dams had fallen because of low water release.
Leghari said there was no load-shedding in parts of South Punjab and dismissed claims of misinformation circulating on social media.
He added that the situation was expected to improve in the coming days as supply conditions stabilised.
