Qatari LNG Tankers to Arrive in Pakistan Amid Energy Crisis

Pakistan's energy crisis is expected to receive some relief this month as liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers from Qatar are scheduled to arrive. According to OilPrice, citing Bloomberg vessel-tracking data, the first LNG cargo may arrive as early as Thursday.

The country has been facing a severe energy shortage due to disruptions in its supply chain. In January, Iran's strikes damaged the Ras Laffan LNG hub in Qatar, forcing Pakistan to declare force majeure on exports and switch to purchasing individual cargoes on the spot market at significantly higher prices.

Pre-war LNG prices paid by Pakistan were around $23.18 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), but the country has been paying over $20 per MMBtu in recent tenders, with one bid reaching as high as $27 per MMBtu. This is about three times higher than pre-war prices.

The gas shortage has led to power outages lasting up to 24 hours in some areas of Pakistan, causing electricity generation costs to rise by 38% compared to last year.