Pakistan’s energy security faces a major threat as the Sahiwal power plant struggles with a severe coal shortage. The 1,320 MW coal-fired facility, a key contributor to the national grid, is now at risk of shutdown. The crisis stems from insufficient railway wagons and disrupted coal transportation, raising alarm about future electricity supply.
Mounting Pressure on Coal Supply
The Sahiwal power plant depends entirely on a steady coal supply delivered through Pakistan Railways. However, railway shortages have caused the plant’s coal stockpile to fall dangerously low. Liu ZengRui, the Chief Executive Officer of Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Pvt. Limited, expressed deep concern in a letter to Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari. He warned that the situation was beyond the company’s control and could soon force a dual-unit shutdown.
Transport Disruptions Worsen Crisis
Coal transport from Karachi to Sahiwal has faced repeated hurdles. Heavy rains and urban flooding in Karachi further slowed down deliveries. The CEO pointed out that Pakistan Railways had been supportive in the past, but the current shortfall posed an unprecedented risk. Without urgent intervention, he noted, the plant may no longer be able to meet generation demands.
Daily Consumption vs. Deliveries
The Sahiwal facility consumes about 8,000 tons of coal daily, as per Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) directives. Yet, the deliveries have consistently fallen short. For instance:
On August 20, only 4,098 MT arrived in two trains.
On August 21, a single train brought 2,051 MT.
On August 22, no coal arrived.
On August 23, just one train delivered around 2,100 MT.
These figures highlight the wide gap between demand and supply.
Read: Floods in Pakistan Spark Fears of Food Shortages, Warns UN
Sharp Deficit in Wagon Availability
The CEO also shared wagon demand and supply data to emphasize the severity:
In June 2025, demand was 5,800 wagons, but supply stood at 2,923, leaving a 49.6% deficit.
In July 2025, demand rose to 6,000, while only 3,200 were supplied, a 46.7% shortfall.
From August 1 to 22, demand was 4,400 wagons, but just 2,168 were available, leaving a 50.7% gap.
This persistent shortfall has eroded the plant’s coal reserves and now threatens its operational stability.
Karachi Port Stockpile Out of Reach
Currently, nearly 500,000 MT of coal is stored at Karachi Port. However, the shortage of functional wagons makes transporting it impossible. The CEO highlighted that over 600 wagons were out of service and required two to three months for repair. This delay compounds the urgency, as the plant’s survival hinges on immediate logistical improvements.
Possible Preventive Shutdown
To conserve coal and maintain partial operations, the CEO suggested shutting down one of the two units. This step, he said, could help stretch available resources until railway capacity improves. He also recommended that ISMO reconsider its dispatch orders to match the actual coal transportation capacity.
Risks to National Power Supply
The Sahiwal power plant is one of the largest independent power producers in Pakistan. Its closure would create a significant gap in the national grid. Given Pakistan’s growing electricity demand, even partial shutdowns could trigger blackouts and add pressure on alternative energy sources. The looming crisis underlines the fragility of energy supply chains that rely heavily on imported fuel and single-mode transport.
Railway Constraints at the Core
Pakistan Railways, already struggling with infrastructure challenges, faces criticism for failing to allocate enough wagons for coal transport. The CEO stressed that energy security depended on urgent action by the railways ministry. Increasing wagon availability and improving logistics are vital to avoid a full-blown crisis.
Weather Adds to the Challenge
The timing of this crisis coincides with heavy monsoon rains and flooding, which have disrupted both coal unloading at Karachi and inland transport. These conditions not only slowed coal movement but also exposed the limitations of Pakistan’s energy logistics system in handling extreme weather events.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
The CEO has urged the Power Minister and other authorities to treat the matter as a top priority. Immediate measures, he said, must be taken to restore a stable flow of coal to the plant. Without government intervention, the plant risks running out of fuel entirely.
Broader Implications for Energy Policy
This crisis sheds light on Pakistan’s heavy dependence on imported coal for power generation. It also raises questions about transport infrastructure planning. With over half a million tons of coal lying unused at Karachi Port, the lack of railway support exposes weaknesses in coordination between energy and transport sectors.
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