The federal government has issued an emergency tender to secure a liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo for delivery on July 15-16 after a Qatari shipment intended for Pakistan was reportedly forced to turn back due to renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported.
State-owned Pakistan LNG launched the urgent tender after receiving government approval on Wednesday, following the cancellation of a Qatari LNG cargo scheduled for delivery this month, according to traders familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted after the United States carried out strikes on Iran for a second consecutive day, following Iranian attacks on vessels in the strategic waterway, including an LNG carrier. A Qatari LNG vessel heading toward Pakistan reportedly returned without completing its passage through the strait.
The development comes after Pakistan recently purchased an LNG cargo from TotalEnergies SE for delivery on July 10-11 at $17.37 per million British thermal units. It was the country’s second spot-market LNG purchase within two weeks as Islamabad sought alternatives after disruptions to Qatari supplies.
Pakistan depends heavily on Qatar for LNG under long-term agreements, increasing concerns over energy security amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The country has already turned to expensive spot-market purchases in recent weeks to avoid potential gas shortages.
Government officials have said maintaining sufficient fuel reserves remains a priority, with the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) monitoring energy supply risks and supporting timely procurement decisions.
Pakistan’s LNG strategy has faced growing challenges since reports emerged in March that facilities at QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan LNG complex were targeted, creating uncertainty in regional energy markets. QatarEnergy’s subsequent force majeure declaration added to concerns over supply reliability and encouraged LNG-importing countries to explore alternative sources.
In response, Pakistan has adopted a dual approach by seeking to secure reliable energy supplies while also managing procurement costs amid ongoing market uncertainty.
