ISLAMABAD: In a welcoming development, Al Kharaitiyat carrier, carrying 216,300 cubic meters of LNG, is expected to dock at Port Qasim, top government officials confirmed.
More importantly, another LNG vessel, Fuwairit, with a capacity of 138,000 cubic meters of LNG, is also reported to be en route to Pakistan.
Energy sector sources say the anticipated arrival of these cargoes has already begun affecting system operations, as regasification at the floating storage unit vessel Seapeak Magellan has reportedly been reduced from 260 mmcfd to 100 mmcfd, indicating active adjustments in gas flow management ahead of incoming supplies.
However, despite these expected shipments, Pakistan’s energy market was unsettled when Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) issued yet another spot LNG tender on May 9, 2026. The tender invites bids for two spot LNG cargoes, each carrying 140,000 cubic meters of LNG.
According to the schedule, cargo-1 is to be delivered during May 12-16, 2026, while cargo-2 is scheduled for May 24-28, 2026. Bids are to be received on May 11 (today) at 2:00 pm and opened at 2:30 pm, and the government is expected to announce acceptance or rejection decisions by 10:00 pm the same day.
Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz did not respond when asked why the government issued the May 9 tender after rejecting earlier spot LNG offers on May 7, particularly at a time when Al Kharaitiyat was to reach Port Qasim.
The latest move marks the third time the PLL has entered the spot LNG market in recent days.
Market participants say repeated tendering reflects uncertainty within official circles over whether the LNG cargoes will safely arrive to meet Pakistan’s demand requirements.
Attention has particularly intensified around Al Kharaitiyat due to its scale and operational implications. The 216,300 cubic meters capacity makes it among the largest LNG carrier categories in the world. Industry sources believe if it docks in Pakistan, it is most likely to discharge at the Engro Elengy Terminal, which has previously handled such vessels under controlled tidal and navigational conditions.
Energy analysts estimate current spot LNG prices at approximately $16.85 per MMBtu, including freight charges, insurance premiums and war-risk surcharges linked to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. Industry experts caution that repeated issuance of LNG tenders followed by rejection of viable bids could weaken trader confidence and increase future procurement costs, as international suppliers factor policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk into pricing for Pakistan-bound cargoes.
