Pakistan Seeks Three Qatari LNG Cargoes Amid Winter Supply Fears
Pakistan is set to request three liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from Qatar in October as concerns over supplies through the Strait of Hormuz persist. The government is also preparing to engage with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of LNG vessels. This move comes after QatarEnergy extended its force majeure on LNG supplies to Pakistan until November 4, with officials fearing disruptions could extend through the winter, potentially affecting long-term supply agreements.
The government is urgently working to secure adequate LNG supplies before winter demand peaks in regions like Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and northern areas. In September, Pakistan managed to arrange two LNG cargoes from Qatar, with the first arriving on September 10 and the second on September 23. However, securing three cargoes for October is expected to be more challenging due to ongoing uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz and the lack of a broader peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Officials have not yet decided to enter the spot LNG market, despite potential supply shortages. Spot LNG is currently priced at around $28-$30 per MMBtu, with a single cargo costing approximately $100 million, an amount officials warn would strain Pakistan’s finances. The country, already facing external financing and energy-sector pressures, could find purchasing large volumes of expensive spot LNG financially difficult.
Demand for regasified LNG (RLNG) is expected to rise sharply as winter progresses. Data from October 5, 2026, shows the power sector consuming around 237 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of RLNG, while the fertiliser sector uses approximately 88 mmcfd, and the export and non-export sectors around 175 mmcfd. Officials estimate Pakistan will need around nine LNG vessels in December and up to 11 in January 2027, raising concerns over whether the country can secure enough cargoes during peak winter months.
If Qatar’s force majeure continues from mid-November 2026 through February 2027, the gas supply situation could become extremely tight. Officials warn that RLNG supplies to major sectors, including power, industry, and CNG, could face severe restrictions, with system gas prioritised for domestic consumers. The expected LNG shortfall could also trigger a sharp increase in LPG demand and prices, placing additional pressure on households already facing higher energy costs.
On the infrastructure side, the Engro LNG terminal is currently available, while the PGPL terminal is regasifying LNG from the vessel that arrived on September 23. The coming weeks will be critical for Pakistan’s winter energy security, as the government balances securing expensive spot LNG, negotiating additional supplies, and managing tight domestic gas availability.