Pakistan Expects LNG Supply Relief As Qatar Shipments May Resume.
✧ GENERATE BRIEFING +
Pakistan is poised for critical relief in its domestic energy sector as liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Qatar resume following weeks of severe supply constraints. The LNG carrier Al Marrouna has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to deliver much-needed fuel, alleviating severe pressures that forced Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) to reject prohibitively expensive spot-market offers—such as BP Singapore's recent bid at $26.7128 per MMBtu. The return of contractual Qatari deliveries is expected to stabilize fuel inventories for RLNG-powered generation plants, directly mitigating the generation shortfalls that have recently driven widespread night-time load-shedding. The supply disruption originated from a force majeure declared by QatarEnergy following regional security incidents and infrastructure damage at the Ras Laffan complex. Although QatarEnergy has extended cargo cancellations for several global buyers into autumn, renewed vessel movements through the Persian Gulf signal a vital breakthrough for Pakistan's long-term energy framework.
Pakistan could see some relief in its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply situation as Qatar appears to be preparing to resume shipments, potentially easing the fuel shortage that has contributed to electricity supply disruptions.
The development comes after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on LNG deliveries following attacks on key facilities in March. The disruption forced Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) to seek replacement cargoes from the expensive spot market.
Pakistan has faced difficulties securing spot LNG at affordable prices. PLL rejected two offers from BP Singapore for September deliveries, with the latest bid priced at $26.7128 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). The company subsequently reissued its tender for a cargo scheduled for September 12–16.
The supply disruption has had a direct impact on electricity generation. The government said the absence of contracted LNG from Qatar left power plants with combined capacity of around 5,000 megawatts unable to operate, contributing to night-time load-shedding.
The government had earlier acknowledged that buying LNG from the spot market was possible but prohibitively expensive amid the regional conflict. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said a cargo that normally costs around $30–35 million had risen to roughly $75 million in the spot market.
Recent vessel movements have raised expectations that Qatar could restart LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Several empty LNG carriers linked to Qatar have reportedly been heading back toward the Persian Gulf, signalling possible preparations for renewed shipments.
For Pakistan, restoration of Qatari supplies would reduce pressure on the government to purchase costly spot cargoes and could improve fuel availability for RLNG-based power plants. However, the country’s energy position remains vulnerable to disruptions in Gulf shipping routes and continued volatility in international LNG prices.
