QatarEnergy has extended its force majeure on LNG deliveries until December 29, leaving Pakistan planning to arrange 10 cargoes against an estimated winter requirement of 20.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan is facing the prospect of a severe winter gas shortage after QatarEnergy extended its force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies until December 29, raising concerns about fuel availability during the country’s peak consumption months.
The extension could affect LNG supplies in December and January, when household demand traditionally increases. The potential disruption also threatens gas availability for power plants, industries, fertiliser manufacturers, cement factories and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed to The News that Qatar had extended its force majeure on LNG deliveries until the end of December.
Pakistan plans 10 LNG cargoes against requirement of 20
The government is planning to arrange 10 LNG cargoes for December and January against an estimated requirement of 20 shipments.
According to the reported estimates, Pakistan needs nine cargoes in December and another 11 in January. The planned arrangements therefore leave a potential gap of 10 cargoes during the two peak winter months.
The shortfall could intensify competition between household consumers, industrial users and the power sector for available gas supplies.
Households are expected to receive priority if supplies become tighter, potentially forcing industries and other commercial consumers to operate with reduced gas availability.
Winter gas demand expected to rise sharply
Senior officials of the Sui gas companies have projected a substantial increase in household gas consumption during December and January.
In Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, domestic gas demand could rise from approximately 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 1,500 mmcfd.
In Sindh and Balochistan, household demand is projected to double from around 300 mmcfd to 600 mmcfd.
The anticipated increase could place additional pressure on Pakistan’s already constrained gas distribution system, particularly if alternative LNG shipments cannot be secured in time.
Industries and power sector face supply uncertainty
The potential LNG shortage could affect several sectors that depend on imported gas.
Power plants may face restrictions on fuel availability, while fertiliser manufacturers, cement factories and industrial units could also experience reduced supplies.
The government is expected to prioritise domestic consumers, particularly during periods of higher winter demand. However, the final extent of restrictions will depend on LNG arrivals, available domestic gas and the authorities’ supply-management decisions.
No final nationwide winter gas schedule or confirmed sector-wise restrictions were established in the reports reviewed.
Qatar supply disruption linked to regional conflict
QatarEnergy’s force majeure extension is part of a wider disruption affecting LNG deliveries to several international buyers.
Reuters reported that QatarEnergy had informed clients in Pakistan and Bangladesh that the force majeure notices would remain in place until the end of 2026. The Italian utility Edison also confirmed an extension affecting its contracted LNG deliveries.
The supply disruption has been linked to the regional conflict and its impact on Qatar’s LNG production and shipments.
Government faces pressure to secure alternative supplies
Pakistan now faces the challenge of arranging additional LNG cargoes while managing rising seasonal demand.
The difference between the estimated requirement of 20 cargoes and the planned 10 shipments highlights the scale of the potential supply gap.
The government’s ability to secure alternative deliveries and manage available gas resources will be important in determining how households, industries and power producers are affected during the winter of 2026–27.
