ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday received its second liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar within three days, as authorities moved to strengthen energy supplies and prevent power shortages amid regional supply disruptions linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The LNG carrier Mihzem, carrying around 160,000 cubic metres of LNG, berthed at the Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited (PGPL) Terminal-1 at Port Qasim, Karachi. Earlier on May 13, the Q-Flex vessel Al Kharaitiyat had docked at the Engro Elengy Terminal, further strengthening gas supplies to the national system.
Officials confirmed that regasification operations have begun at both terminals, with re-gasified LNG (RLNG) being injected into the national transmission network to support electricity generation and industrial demand.
The two LNG cargoes were secured under long-term contracts at a price equivalent to 13.37 percent of Brent crude, offering relief compared to sharply higher spot LNG prices, which have surged above $17 per MMBtu amid global supply uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
Energy officials said Pakistan is in contact with Qatari authorities to arrange two additional LNG cargoes after several shipments bound for the country were disrupted due to regional instability following military escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
Officials added that multiple LNG cargoes loaded in the Gulf region were stranded after disruptions began on February 28, 2026, affecting deliveries to several importing countries, including Pakistan. Efforts are ongoing to recover the originally allocated shipments.
The government believes the fresh LNG supplies will ease pressure on the power sector, particularly during peak summer demand when electricity shortages typically rise.
According to system data, the power sector is currently consuming around 310 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of RLNG for electricity generation, while both LNG terminals are operating at full capacity.
Separately, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik met the ambassador of Qatar to discuss further LNG imports to ensure stable energy availability during June and beyond.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
