ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s energy sector recorded a key development on Wednesday as the large Q-Flex liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Al Kharaitiyat from Qatar is scheduled to berth at the Engro LNG terminal at Port Qasim between 8:00am and 9:00am.
The vessel, carrying around 216,300 cubic metres of LNG, marks an important logistical milestone for Pakistan’s import infrastructure, which often faces draft limitations at Port Qasim and requires high-tide conditions for docking such large Q-Flex ships. A similar operation was last successfully carried out in January 2019 by the vessel Al Ghashamiya.
Officials said the regasification process will be initiated in phases, with gas injection into the national grid gradually increased in a controlled manner to ensure system stability.
In a parallel development, another Qatari LNG vessel carrying approximately 138,000 cubic metres has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive at the PGPL terminal in the coming days.
Both shipments are being supplied under a long-term agreement indexed at 13.37 percent of Brent crude, translating to a cost of just over $11 per MMBtu.
Energy officials described the arrivals as a crucial but carefully managed step toward stabilising Pakistan’s gas supply amid fluctuating demand and ongoing energy sector constraints.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
