The shipment comes as the government seeks to maintain domestic gas supplies while avoiding costly purchases from the international spot market, where LNG prices can reach $30 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), according to the sources.
LNG imported under Pakistan’s existing agreement with Qatar costs around $14 to $15 per MMBtu, approximately half the reported spot-market price, they added.
Ministry sources said the government was making every effort to avoid purchasing LNG at higher international rates and was relying on contracted supplies from Qatar to meet the country’s energy needs.
Pakistan received its first LNG cargo of October on October 14, when the vessel Al-Areesh arrived at Engro’s LNG terminal. Regasification operations began following its arrival, restoring supplies of around 150 million cubic feet per day to the national gas network, according to earlier reports.
The second shipment comes amid continued uncertainty over LNG imports due to disruptions to regional energy supplies and shipping routes.
QatarEnergy declared force majeure in March following damage to its Ras Laffan facility during the regional conflict. The disruption affected contracted LNG supplies to several customers, including Pakistan.
These interruptions have raised concerns about Pakistan’s ability to meet increasing gas demand during the coming winter. The country relies on imported LNG to supplement domestic production and supply fuel to power plants and other consumers.
Pakistan has been exploring additional LNG shipments to strengthen its energy supplies. However, rising international prices could increase import costs if contracted deliveries prove insufficient to meet demand.
The latest Qatari shipment offers some relief to Pakistan’s energy sector, although the overall supply outlook will depend on the availability of further cargoes and the government’s ability to secure LNG at affordable prices.
