Pakistan's LNG Imports Plummet Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has severely impacted global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, with Pakistan being one of the hardest-hit countries. According to the 2026 Global Gas Report by the International Gas Union, Snam, and Rystad Energy, Pakistan experienced a sharp decline in LNG imports during the crisis, with a drop of between 0.8 billion and 1.5 billion cubic meters in April 2026 compared to the same month the previous year.

The report found that global natural gas demand is projected to decline for the first time since 2022 due to the disruption, which has constrained approximately 20% of global LNG supply. Asian importers have borne the heaviest impact, accounting for more than 80% of the import shortfall.

Qatar bore the brunt of the disruption, with LNG exports falling 91% in May 2026 compared to May 2025 due to Iranian missile strikes on the Ras Laffan liquefaction plant. The crisis has also demonstrated the global natural gas system's resilience compared to the 2022 energy crisis, underpinned by diversified supply, additional liquefaction capacity, and storage availability.

The report warned that continued investment is crucial for maintaining this resilience, as global gas demand could reach around 4,516 to 4,575 billion cubic meters by 2030, implying a potential supply gap of 846 to 905 billion cubic meters. The outlook for Pakistan and other affected nations remains highly contingent on the progress of resolution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.