**ISLAMABAD:** Pakistan has successfully negotiated with Iran to ensure the safe passage of at least one Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment through the Strait of Hormuz, in a move aimed at easing the country’s worsening energy crisis, according to Bloomberg.
The LNG carrier **Al Areesh**, which had been anchored in the Persian Gulf after loading cargo at Qatar’s Ras Laffan export terminal earlier this month, transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to Bloomberg ship-tracking data. The vessel crossed the strategic waterway with its transponders switched on and is now en route to Pakistan.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the agreement with Iran may also facilitate the safe passage of additional LNG cargoes destined for Pakistan.
The development comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with severe fuel shortages triggered by the ongoing regional conflict. The country has relied on diplomatic engagement with Tehran to help secure energy supplies and has also acted as an intermediary in communications between the United States and Iran.
Earlier this year, Islamabad similarly negotiated with Iran to ensure the safe passage of several LNG shipments. However, renewed hostilities in the region and an Iranian attack on a Qatari LNG tanker recently disrupted deliveries, forcing Pakistan to suspend some imports.
Pakistan depends heavily on Qatar for its LNG requirements, and disruptions in contracted supplies have led to fuel shortages and rolling power outages in several parts of the country.
The Petroleum Division did not immediately respond to Bloomberg’s request for comment. Similarly, Qatar’s International Media Office and Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not comment on the reported arrangement.
It remains unclear whether Pakistan made any payment to secure the safe transit of the LNG cargo.
According to Bloomberg estimates, since the conflict began in late February, Pakistan has spent more than **$400 million** on spot-market LNG purchases to replace disrupted Qatari supplies, significantly increasing the country’s energy import bill.
