Pakistan Seeks Three Qatar LNG Cargoes as Winter Supply Risks Grow
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan has decided to seek three liquefied natural gas cargoes from Qatar during October as uncertainty surrounding energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz raises concerns over the country’s gas supplies ahead of peak winter demand.
The government is also preparing to engage Iranian authorities to help ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of LNG vessels through the strategically important waterway.
The move comes after QatarEnergy extended force majeure affecting LNG supplies to Pakistan into early November amid continuing disruption to regional energy shipments.
Pakistan secured two Qatari LNG cargoes in September following diplomatic efforts involving regional stakeholders, providing some relief to the domestic gas system.
Authorities are now seeking three cargoes for October as they attempt to build sufficient supplies before colder weather sharply increases gas consumption.
The challenge is expected to become more severe in December and January, particularly in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and northern areas, where winter demand traditionally rises substantially.
Pakistan could require around nine LNG cargoes in December, while requirements may increase to approximately 11 cargoes in January 2027.
Any prolonged disruption to Qatari supplies could therefore create significant pressure on the country’s gas network.
The power sector was consuming around 237 million cubic feet per day of RLNG as of October 5, while the fertiliser sector was using approximately 88 mmcfd.
Export-oriented and other industrial sectors were consuming around 175 mmcfd.
If supply disruptions persist through the winter, authorities could face difficult decisions over how available gas is distributed among households, electricity producers, fertiliser plants, industries and commercial consumers.
Pakistan has already been forced to turn to the international spot LNG market during previous supply disruptions, exposing the country to significantly higher prices.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the supply challenge because Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, relies on the waterway to move cargoes from its Ras Laffan export facilities to international markets.
LNG shipping through Hormuz has recently shown signs of recovery despite continuing security risks, but uncertainty remains over whether higher export volumes can be sustained throughout the winter.
Pakistan’s immediate priority is therefore to secure the three October cargoes while preparing contingency arrangements for December and January.
The availability of sufficient LNG during those months will be critical to limiting gas shortages and protecting electricity generation, fertiliser production and industrial activity during the country’s peak winter demand period.
