ISLAMABAD: After nearly two months of a dry spell in LNG arrivals, Pakistan’s energy sector received a much-needed boost on Thursday as the LNG carrier Seapeak Magellan docked at the Pakistan GasPort terminal and began injecting re-gasified LNG (RLNG) into the system.
Carrying around 140,000 cubic metres of LNG, the vessel berthed between 10 and 11 am at the terminal operated by Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited. The cargo—arranged by TotalEnergies at a price of $18.40 per mmbtu—marks the first LNG shipment to reach the country since a US-origin cargo arrived weeks earlier.
Regasification began cautiously, starting at 50 MMcf and continuing at that level until 5 pm. Following revised nominations, the flow was ramped up to 250 MMcf at 6 pm and subsequently increased to 260 MMcf, taking into account available LNG inventory. Of the total RLNG being injected, 45 MMcf has been allocated to K-Electric, while the remaining volume is being fed into the network of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited.
Officials say the arrival comes at a critical time, offering relief to the power sector. The Power Division confirmed that there is currently zero load management as of 30 April, attributing stability partly to the earlier diversion of 168 MMcf of local gas to power plants. With RLNG now flowing into the system, authorities expect further easing of pressure as electricity demand rises with increasing temperatures.
However, the supply outlook remains uncertain. Government sources revealed that efforts are under way to arrange another LNG cargo for delivery between 10 and 12 May. A decision is yet to be made on whether the procurement will be conducted through open bidding or via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR.
Meanwhile, Islamabad is scrambling to secure four LNG cargoes from Qatar that are currently stranded due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The issue has reached top decision-making levels, including discussions at the National Crisis Management Committee. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has also engaged with the Iranian ambassador, potentially to explore solutions for safe passage.
Encouragingly, the recent successful transit of a diesel shipment through the Strait has raised hopes that the stranded LNG cargoes may soon be cleared. If realised, this would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s energy security in the coming weeks.
