ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday received its second liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar within three days as the government intensified efforts to avert worsening power shortages amid regional supply disruptions triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The LNG carrier Mihzem, carrying around 160,000 cubic metres of LNG, berthed at Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited’s (PGPL) Terminal-1 at Port Qasim, Karachi. Earlier, on May 13, the Q-Flex LNG carrier Al Kharaitiyat docked at the Engro LNG terminal.
Officials confirmed that both terminals had started regasification operations and were injecting RLNG into the national transmission system to support electricity generation and industrial demand.
The two cargoes were secured at a term price equivalent to 13.37 per cent of Brent crude oil, providing Pakistan relief at a time when spot LNG prices in the international market have surged above $17 per MMBtu due to escalating geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainty.
The government is now in contact with Qatari authorities to secure two additional LNG cargoes after four Pakistan-bound shipments became stranded because of disruptions linked to the US-Israel military action against Iran earlier this year.
According to officials, Pakistan was among several countries affected after 8 to 9 LNG cargoes loaded in the Gulf region became stranded following the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, 2026. Pakistani authorities have since been attempting to recover four specific cargoes originally designated for the country.
Energy officials say the arrival of the fresh LNG supplies will help reduce pressure on the power sector, particularly during peak summer demand hours when electricity shortages traditionally intensify.
According to current linepack data, the power sector is consuming around 310 mmcfd of RLNG for electricity generation, while both LNG terminals are now fully operational.Meanwhile, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with the ambassador of Qatar to discuss arrangements for additional LNG imports aimed at meeting Pakistan’s energy requirements during June.
