ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s energy sector is witnessing a crucial, though fragile, breakthrough as massive Q-Flex LNG carrier Al Kharaitiyat is scheduled to berth at Engro LNG terminal at Port Qasim today (Wednesday). Expected to arrive between 8:00am and 9:00am, the vessel is carrying 216,300 cubic metres of LNG.
Government officials confirmed regasification process will begin in phases, with gas supply to national grid being increased slowly and cautiously. The arrival marks an important milestone because Pakistan’s infrastructure at Port Qasim generally faces draft limitations, making docking of such large Q-Flex vessels a difficult operation that usually depends on high tide conditions — something previously achieved in January 2019 by Al Ghashamiya.
A second Qatari LNG vessel, carrying 138,000 cubic metres LNG, has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive at the PGPL terminal shortly.
Both cargoes are being supplied under a long-term agreement priced at 13.37pc of Brent crude, translating to slightly above $11 per MMBtu.
