The K-Electric (KE) on Thursday attributed the prolonged power outages in the metropolis to a shortage of furnace oil, as lawmakers in the National Assembly questioned the role of the power utility. In a statement, the power utility said that peak demand had crossed 3,450 megawatt because of the hot and humid weather being experienced by the city. “Furnace oil is not available in the market to the level required, resulting in up to 800 mt shortfall daily. This has been in the news and the government is taking action by allowing imports. “Also, a reduction of 50 mmcfd in regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) by the Sui Southern Gas Company has further added to the challenge.” The statement added that along with these factors, power from the wind corridor was also affected, resulting in the reduction of KE’s power supply from 3,150MW to 2,800MW. It added that the govt had decided to import furnace oil and the situation was “likely to normalise” in the coming days.
