ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan has expressed readiness to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as the country scrambles to secure fuel amid growing energy shortages.
State-owned energy company SOCAR confirmed that it can begin LNG deliveries immediately upon receiving a formal request from Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL). The offer comes under a framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and PLL, which enables Pakistan to procure LNG cargoes through an expedited process.
“SOCAR is ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits a corresponding request,” the company stated in response to media queries. However, it did not disclose whether a request has already been made, the expected timeline for deliveries, or the source of LNG under the arrangement.
Pakistan’s increasing reliance on imported gas, coupled with declining domestic reserves, has heightened its vulnerability to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The situation has been further exacerbated by geopolitical tensions impacting international energy routes.
In response to mounting electricity demand and early signs of load shedding ahead of the summer season, the Power Division has directed the Petroleum Division to arrange approximately 400 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of LNG for power generation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is also engaged in advanced discussions with Qatar for the supply of at least four LNG cargoes. These shipments are expected to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, raising cautious optimism about improved supply flows.
The developments follow Qatar’s recent declaration of force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, adding further urgency to Islamabad’s efforts to diversify its energy supply sources and stabilize the power sector.
By Reuters
