Pakistan is facing another challenge in its energy sector after a disruption in RLNG supplies. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has declared force majeure on the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas. The company said the decision was taken because of continued security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
The RLNG disruption is expected to affect gas supplies in Punjab for nearly three weeks. Energy officials warn that the situation could lead to higher electricity generation costs and increase the risk of power shortages if the disruption continues.
According to SNGPL, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) informed the company that force majeure declared by its LNG supplier remains active. The supplier cited ongoing military tensions in the Gulf region as the reason for the continued disruption.
The affected LNG cargoes were scheduled to arrive between July 14 and August 3. Their delay will reduce the availability of RLNG for power plants that depend on imported gas to generate electricity.
SNGPL has issued separate notices to four RLNG-based power plants in Punjab. The company said its contractual obligations remain suspended because the disruption is beyond its reasonable control.
The gas utility also stated that QatarEnergy has started restoring operations gradually. However, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains irregular due to security risks in the region. This has slowed the movement of LNG cargoes to Pakistan.
SNGPL further said that QatarEnergy has informed the company that additional LNG cargoes planned under the Annual Delivery Plan 2026 cannot be delivered during the affected period. The supplier is expected to issue a revised delivery schedule after operating conditions improve.
The supply interruption could affect more than 5,000 megawatts of RLNG-based electricity generation in Punjab. It may also reduce electricity transmission from Sindh to northern parts of the country, creating additional pressure on the national power system.
Officials said the government may have to purchase LNG from the international spot market to meet demand. Spot market cargoes are usually more expensive than long-term contracted supplies. Another option could be running power plants on diesel, which would also increase electricity generation costs.
Authorities believe existing LNG stocks may help reduce the immediate impact through careful rationing. However, they warned that consumers could still face longer periods of loadshedding or higher electricity bills if the disruption extends beyond August 3.
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SNGPL said it is closely monitoring the situation with PSO and other stakeholders. The company added that it will continue to provide updates as conditions develop. The latest RLNG disruption highlights Pakistan’s dependence on imported LNG and the impact that global shipping and regional security issues can have on the country’s energy supply.
