ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received its second liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment from Qatar in October, with supplies from the cargo already being injected into the national gas network, Ministry of Energy sources said on Thursday.
The shipment arrives as the government seeks to maintain domestic gas supplies while avoiding expensive purchases from the international spot market, where LNG prices can reach $30 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), according to the sources.
In comparison, LNG imported under Pakistan’s existing agreement with Qatar costs approximately $14 to $15 per MMBtu, making contracted supplies significantly cheaper than spot-market purchases, they added.
Ministry sources said the government was making efforts to meet the country’s energy needs through existing contractual arrangements rather than purchasing LNG at higher international rates.
Pakistan received its first LNG cargo of October on October 14, when the vessel Al-Areesh arrived at Engro’s LNG terminal. Regasification operations subsequently began, restoring supplies of around 150 million cubic feet per day to the national gas network, according to earlier reports.
The latest shipment comes amid continued uncertainty over LNG imports due to disruptions in regional energy supplies and shipping routes. In March, QatarEnergy declared force majeure following damage to its Ras Laffan facility during the regional conflict, affecting contracted supplies to several customers, including Pakistan.
These disruptions have raised concerns about the country’s ability to meet increased gas demand during the upcoming winter season. Pakistan depends on imported LNG to supplement domestic production and provide fuel for power plants and other consumers.
The government has also been exploring options to secure additional LNG cargoes to strengthen supplies. However, persistently high international prices could increase import costs if existing contracted shipments prove insufficient.
The arrival of the second October cargo offers some relief to Pakistan’s energy supply outlook. However, the country’s ability to maintain adequate supplies at affordable rates will depend on the availability of further shipments and developments in the international LNG market.
