Pakistan electricity generation rises 5 percent in September 2026

Pakistan’s electricity generation grew by 5 percent year over year to reach 13,217 gigawatt-hours in September 2026. Output fell 12 percent from the 14,942 gigawatt-hours recorded in August.

Topline Research reported that the average fuel cost for power generation climbed 32 percent to Rs. 9.4 per unit during the same month. Imported coal-fired power generation surged 111 percent to 2,155 gigawatt-hours in September 2026, increasing the imported coal share of the national mix to 16.3 percent.

Furnace oil generation rose 171 percent to 263 gigawatt-hours, while wind power generation increased 36 percent to 464 gigawatt-hours. Gas-based generation grew 13 percent to 1,066 gigawatt-hours, and locally mined coal generation rose 10 percent to 1,327 gigawatt-hours.

Nuclear power generation declined 15 percent year over year to 1,893 gigawatt-hours, and regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) generation fell 56 percent to 804 gigawatt-hours. Hydropower output edged up 1 percent to 4,834 gigawatt-hours, accounting for 36.6 percent of the country's electricity generation in September.

Costs for RLNG rose 87 percent year over year to Rs. 39.7 per unit, while furnace oil costs increased 58 percent to Rs. 44.9 per unit. Imported coal costs rose 25 percent to Rs. 17.2 per unit, whereas the cost of electricity from locally mined coal fell 54 percent to Rs. 6 per unit.

Nuclear power generation costs increased 33 percent to Rs. 2.9 per unit, and gas-based generation costs declined 3 percent to Rs. 13 per unit. Bagasse costs rose 10 percent to Rs. 10.9 per unit.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, imported coal generation rose 102 percent year over year to 6,654 gigawatt-hours. Wind generation increased 37 percent to 1,979 gigawatt-hours during the same quarter, while locally mined coal output grew 11 percent to 4,603 gigawatt-hours.

Gas generation edged up 1 percent to 3,108 gigawatt-hours in the first quarter, while RLNG generation declined 42 percent to 3,744 gigawatt-hours. Nuclear generation fell 14 percent to 4,948 gigawatt-hours during the first quarter, while hydropower output increased 3 percent to 16,507 gigawatt-hours.

The average fuel cost of power generation reached Rs. 10.1 per unit during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27. Month-over-month data showed RLNG costs fell 14 percent to Rs. 39.7 per unit, and gas costs declined 8 percent to Rs. 13 per unit.