Gas will primarily be supplied during breakfast and dinner hours, while the supply will be suspended in the afternoon. This decision comes as a response to low system pressure, which has been exacerbated by disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

The ongoing gas crisis has been affecting households across the region, making it increasingly challenging to maintain a consistent gas flow during the newly established time slots. The situation has made it impossible for SNGPL to supply gas three times a day, leading to significant disruptions in routine domestic use.

Consumers are being urged to use gas carefully, as the reduced supply is expected to significantly impact daily life. Citizens have been advised to conserve gas, especially during the limited hours when it will be available.

As the crisis continues, SNGPL aims to manage demand effectively during these peak consumption periods. The utility company is working to address the challenges posed by the current supply situation, but details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential improvements in gas availability.

With the ongoing disruptions in LNG imports, the future of gas supply remains uncertain. SNGPL’s new schedule is a temporary measure aimed at alleviating some of the pressure on the system while ensuring that essential gas needs are met during critical times.

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The decision comes as part of the government’s ‘Peak Relief Strategy’, which is designed to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices. The Power Division has indicated that K-Electric and Hesco will be excluded from this load shedding plan due to their lower reliance on furnace oil, which has been a significant factor in the current energy crisis.

According to the Power Division, the load shedding is a necessary measure to prevent a potential increase of Rs1.5 per unit in electricity prices, which could occur due to the reliance on expensive fuels. The government has already managed to reduce electricity prices by 71 paisa per unit between July and February, despite the ongoing challenges posed by rising fuel costs.

In an effort to support consumers, the government has provided relief worth Rs46 billion during the same period. However, officials have warned that without effective load management, electricity prices could rise by as much as Rs3 per unit. To help control these costs, 80 MMCFD of local gas has been supplied to power plants.

The load shedding will be strictly managed, with no unscheduled outages allowed. Consumers will be informed of any local faults to ensure transparency and minimize inconvenience. The situation is being monitored directly under the supervision of the Prime Minister, who has emphasized the need for careful management during peak hours.

“The purpose of this load management is to reduce the use of expensive fuel and prevent a rise in electricity prices,” a spokesperson from the Power Division stated. They further noted, “This step can prevent an increase of approximately Rs3 per unit.” The spokesperson acknowledged that the biggest challenge lies in managing the significant increase in electricity demand during peak hours.

This load shedding plan comes amid a global energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz involving Iran and Israel. As the government navigates these challenges, it remains committed to keeping electricity prices under control, despite the pressures from international markets.

As the situation develops, the government’s approach will be closely watched by consumers and industry stakeholders alike, with hopes that the measures will effectively stabilize electricity prices while ensuring a reliable power supply during peak demand periods.

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Consumers will now receive gas twice a day, as the supply will remain suspended in the afternoon due to low system pressure. This new arrangement aims to ensure limited gas availability during peak demand periods only, but it is expected to further disrupt routine domestic use.

The current gas shortages have also had a significant impact on power generation. Reports indicate that the supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) has dropped to around 80 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), while the requirement for power generation is nearly 350 mmcfd. This discrepancy has led to a shortfall in power supply, particularly affecting regions like Lahore.

In Lahore, the demand for electricity stands between 2,500 and 2,700 megawatts (MW), but the available supply has been constrained to around 3,600 MW due to reduced gas supply. Consequently, the city is experiencing a shortfall of 500 to 700 MW.

The crisis has intensified to the point where providing gas three times a day is no longer feasible. Even maintaining supply during breakfast and dinner hours has become increasingly difficult, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Disruptions in liquefied natural gas imports have created a severe shortage, which has severely affected the system’s ability to sustain stable pressure levels. The reduced supply is expected to have lasting implications on both domestic consumers and the energy sector.

As SNGPL implements these changes, the full impact on consumers and power generation remains to be seen. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates will be necessary to understand the long-term effects of this gas supply restriction.

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The Sindh government has launched a petrol fuel subsidy program aimed at providing financial relief to motorcyclists, with approximately 6.7 million individuals expected to benefit. Each registered motorcycle owner will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000, which is intended to cover the cost of about 20 litres of fuel.

So far, 2,800 individuals have received payments from the People’s Motorcycle Fuel Subsidy Programme, with an allocated budget of Rs13.4 billion for this initiative. The program was announced in response to surging petrol prices and the ongoing energy crisis affecting the region.

According to Sharjeel Memon, a spokesperson for the Sindh government, “Approximately 6.7 million people will receive Rs2,000 per account.” This subsidy is part of a broader effort to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on the transportation sector.

In addition to the motorcycle subsidy, public transport and goods transport operators will receive monthly subsidies ranging from Rs70,000 to Rs100,000. The government is also subsidising around 11,000 private buses and 470 government-run buses to ensure that fares remain stable despite the increasing fuel prices.

To facilitate the application process, the Sindh Chief Minister has launched an online portal for motorcycle owners. Excise offices across Sindh will remain open from 8:00 am to midnight for 15 days to expedite registrations. A dedicated helpline has also been established to assist applicants.

Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, emphasized that “only motorcycles registered in the owner’s own name will qualify for the subsidy.” This stipulation aims to ensure that the support reaches the intended recipients.

Despite the challenges posed by rising fuel prices, the government is committed to maintaining fare levels. Syed Murad Ali Shah stated, “Fares will remain unchanged despite higher fuel costs, with the government providing subsidies to support the arrangement.”

The provincial government is also exploring mechanisms to extend direct relief to consumers for essential commodities, further underscoring its commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by residents.

As the program unfolds, observers are keen to see how effectively the subsidies will be implemented and whether they will provide the intended relief to the citizens of Sindh. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term sustainability of this subsidy initiative.

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“It has not just engulfed the entire region but the entire world as well,” stated Ali Pervaiz Malik, reflecting the widespread impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on global energy supplies. This statement comes as Pakistan grapples with a significant increase in fuel prices, a move largely attributed to the disruptions in energy supplies caused by the regional turmoil.

As of the latest update, the price of petrol in Pakistan has surged to 458.4 Pakistani rupees per liter, up from 321.17 rupees. This marks an increase of Rs137 per liter, or a staggering 43%. The price of high-speed diesel has similarly risen, now costing 520.35 rupees per liter, an increase of Rs185 or 55% from the previous price of 335.86 rupees.

The government has also raised the petroleum levy on petrol to a record Rs160.61 per liter. This decision follows a series of adjustments in fuel prices, with the cumulative increase in petrol price within the past month reaching 63%, while high-speed diesel prices have climbed by 75%.

These adjustments come as part of Pakistan’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the government assuring that it stands ready to increase fuel prices in response to the global energy crisis. The IMF has been closely monitoring Pakistan’s economic policies, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by external factors.

Energy prices have surged globally due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted traditional supply chains and led to increased costs for consumers worldwide. As countries scramble to secure energy resources, the ripple effects are being felt in markets far beyond the conflict zone.

In Pakistan, the rising fuel prices are expected to have a cascading effect on the economy, impacting transportation costs and ultimately consumer prices across various sectors. The government faces the challenge of balancing economic stability with the needs of its citizens, who are already feeling the pinch of rising living costs.

As the situation evolves, further adjustments to fuel prices may be anticipated, depending on the developments in the Middle East and the global energy market. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term strategies the government may adopt to mitigate the impact of these price hikes on the populace.

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The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) is grappling with a severe gas supply crisis in Pakistan, primarily affecting residents in Karachi and surrounding areas. This crisis has resulted in a complete suspension of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supply, leaving Karachi residents with gas availability for only about 10 hours a day.

One of the critical factors contributing to this situation is the outstanding payment issue between SSGC and United Energy Pakistan. China has urged Pakistan to clear $220 million in overdue payments owed to United Energy Pakistan, which has a significant impact on gas supply levels. Currently, SSGC receives approximately 260–270 million cubic feet of gas per day from United Energy Pakistan.

The ongoing gas crisis has also led to a sharp increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, which have risen to between Rs460 and Rs480 per kilogram. This price surge is a direct consequence of the reduced gas supply, forcing many residents to seek alternative energy sources.

In response to the crisis, SSGC has initiated repair work on a gas pipeline that was damaged in a blast in Akhtarabad, aiming to restore normal supply levels. Additionally, the company has diverted gas through an alternate pipeline to maintain supply to Quetta city and its surrounding areas.

However, the financial strain on SSGC is evident, as the company has implemented cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions, due to liquidity constraints. These measures may further complicate the company’s ability to manage the ongoing gas supply issues effectively.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for resolving the payment issue between SSGC and United Energy Pakistan. Furthermore, the long-term impact of the gas crisis on domestic consumers and the energy sector remains uncertain.

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Cuba is currently facing a severe energy crisis, characterized by daily electricity blackouts and significant shortages of food, water, and medicine. The situation has escalated due to a combination of factors, primarily the U.S. military’s blockade that intercepts tankers carrying Venezuelan oil to the island. This blockade has severely restricted Cuba’s access to fuel, with 70 percent of its oil typically supplied by Venezuela and Mexico.

The impact of these restrictions has been profound. Reports indicate that Cuba’s petroleum reserves are predicted to run out in a matter of weeks, prompting the government to institute an emergency gas quota of just five gallons per day for vehicles. This has led to long lines at gas stations, with vehicles reportedly waiting up to 26 hours to refuel.

As a result of the fuel shortages, many Cubans have been forced to queue for water in Havana, highlighting the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding. The U.S. continues to impose restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba, further exacerbating the nationwide energy crisis. An unnamed diplomat remarked, “They say they want to harm the government, not the people. Well, this is harming the people,” reflecting the sentiment of many regarding the effects of the blockade.

In addition to the energy crisis, Cuba has also been grappling with the aftermath of three powerful hurricanes that have displaced approximately 1,000,000 people in the past eighteen months, further straining the country’s resources. The combination of natural disasters and economic difficulties has left the island in a precarious position.

Marco Rubio, a U.S. Senator, stated, “You need to change the people in charge, you need to change the system that runs the country, and you need to change the economic model that it’s following,” emphasizing the need for systemic change in Cuba.

The standoff between the U.S. and Cuba underscores a stark contradiction: while Washington blocks fuel shipments to the island and pressures other countries not to supply oil, it simultaneously seeks diesel imports to maintain its own diplomatic operations. This situation raises questions about the broader implications of U.S. policy towards Cuba.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential for any changes in U.S. policy or further developments in the energy crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, the humanitarian impact on the Cuban population remains a pressing concern.

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Pakistan is facing rising petroleum costs and tightening supplies due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. In response to this situation, the Punjab government is considering extending school holidays until April 15, as schools are currently scheduled to remain closed until March 31.

The proposed extension is part of broader energy conservation measures being discussed by provincial authorities. The Punjab Energy Department has submitted recommendations that include enforcing work-from-home policies and banning non-essential events to manage the energy crisis effectively.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat stated, “No decision has been taken so far regarding any extension and urged the public to avoid relying on unverified information.” This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the final decision on the extension of school holidays.

In addition to the proposed holiday extension, the government is exploring a hybrid education model aimed at reducing energy usage in schools. However, details on the implementation of this system remain unclear.

Fuel rationing measures are also being considered as part of the government’s strategy to manage energy resources amid the crisis. The situation remains fluid, with no formal announcement yet made regarding changes to the academic schedule.

Observers note that the ongoing energy crisis is impacting various sectors, and the education sector is no exception. The potential extension of school holidays could provide temporary relief but may also pose challenges for students and parents alike.

As the situation develops, stakeholders in the education sector are closely monitoring any updates from the Punjab government. The final decision on the extension of school holidays is still pending, leaving many in anticipation.

Details remain unconfirmed, but the government’s focus on energy conservation is likely to influence future decisions regarding school operations.

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In recent months, the energy crisis in Pakistan has intensified, driven by geopolitical tensions and rising costs of imported energy. Pakistan, which imports about 80 percent of its energy from the Gulf, has faced severe fuel shortages, prompting authorities to take drastic measures. Schools have been closed, and a four-day working week has been introduced for government offices to conserve fuel.

As the situation escalated, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the decision to refrain from increasing petrol and diesel prices before the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, despite the pressures of rising costs. This decision reflects the government’s attempt to alleviate public discontent amid soaring inflation rates and economic difficulties.

Meanwhile, neighboring Bangladesh is also grappling with its energy crisis, importing about 95 percent of its oil. The country is expected to exhaust its fuel reserves within days, highlighting the precarious situation in the region. Sri Lanka, which imports around 60 percent of its energy needs, has declared every Wednesday a public holiday to conserve fuel, further illustrating the widespread impact of the energy shortages.

On March 10, Egypt announced significant price hikes for petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, ranging between 15 and 22 percent. This move is part of a broader trend affecting developing economies in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, which are heavily reliant on imported energy. The ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has exacerbated these challenges, leading to surging energy costs that are straining the economies of these countries.

Experts warn that the situation is dire. S Akbar Zaidi noted, “The overall shock is quite severe, although it has not been fully passed on to consumers and to industry.” This sentiment is echoed by Yeah Kim Leng, who stated, “For a majority of developing economies, especially those already grappling with debt and high import dependence, they are facing a potent mix of inflation, currency pressures and fiscal strains.”

In Pakistan, the high diesel prices are particularly concerning as they threaten the country’s agricultural sector. Khalid Waleed emphasized that “Diesel is the backbone of Pakistan’s freight and agricultural economy,” indicating that the rising costs could have long-term implications for food inflation and overall economic stability.

As the energy crisis continues to unfold, the implications for Iran-Pakistan relations and the broader region remain significant. The interdependence of these nations in terms of energy resources and economic stability underscores the need for cooperative solutions to address these pressing challenges. The current state of affairs highlights the vulnerabilities faced by developing economies in the Global South, as they navigate the complexities of geopolitical conflicts and their economic repercussions.

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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has had a profound impact on global oil and gas flows, raising concerns about energy security worldwide. This strategic waterway is vital for approximately 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade and handles about 20 million barrels of oil per day.

Since the onset of the war on Iran on February 28, 2026, which began with US and Israeli bombings, Iran has launched missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations. As a result, at least 21 commercial vessels have reported incidents in the Gulf or Strait of Hormuz since March 1, 2026.

The Iranian actions have led to extensive damage, particularly affecting Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, and have prompted European nations and Japan to express their readiness to ensure safe passage through the strait. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan condemned the attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, emphasizing the global ramifications of Iran’s actions.

In response to the escalating crisis, the International Energy Agency authorized a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize energy markets. This decision comes as European gas prices have surged by over 60 percent since the conflict began, with a notable 25 percent increase on a specific Thursday.

Japan, which relies on the Gulf for 95 percent of its crude oil supplies, is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions. The impact of the conflict is expected to stretch into the future, with analysts predicting a significant rise in energy prices.

Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, including Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The ongoing violence and instability in the region continue to pose risks to international shipping and energy supplies.

As the situation develops, the leaders have called for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the potential for further military actions in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as it evolves.

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