ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may procure additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes through fresh tenders after QatarEnergy showed reluctance to allow two scheduled shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a key development, the government has directed Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) to seek bids for spot LNG cargoes to ensure continuity of supply. The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), as concerns mount over the safe transit of energy shipments following reported Iranian attacks near Fujairah and heightened risks linked to a potential US naval initiative, informally referred to as “Project Freedom.”
Officials in the Petroleum Division said Islamabad will continue diplomatic efforts to persuade Qatari authorities to allow the cargoes to proceed. Relevant agencies are also in contact with Iran to facilitate safe passage, though suppliers remain cautious amid the volatile security environment.
Earlier, PLL issued a tender on April 23, opening bids a day later, and awarded a cargo to TotalEnergies at $18.4 per MMBtu. The shipment, delivered via the LNG vessel Seapeak Magellan on April 30, is being processed at the Pakistan GasPort Limited terminal at Port Qasim. According to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the country requires at least two LNG cargoes during May.
