A vessel carrying around 82,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar has arrived at Port Qasim, marking the first Qatari LNG shipment to reach Pakistan through the Strait of Hormuz since July.
The vessel, Al Marrouna, was carrying LNG from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal. According to port authorities, the ship crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and reached the Engro LNG Terminal at Port Qasim on Thursday morning.
The latest shipment is the first Qatar-origin LNG cargo to arrive in Pakistan through the strategic waterway since July 11. Scheduled LNG shipments from Qatar Energy had been disrupted following the regional conflict, raising concerns about the reliability of one of Pakistan’s key energy supply routes.
The LNG cargo was procured under a government-to-government arrangement between Pakistan and Qatar. Its arrival is expected to increase gas supplies available for the power sector and provide some temporary relief as the country continues to face fuel shortages and high energy costs.
The shipment has also eased concerns about a prolonged interruption in Qatari LNG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a critical route for Pakistan because a significant portion of the country’s energy imports pass through the region.
Pakistan is currently dealing with power outages lasting between six and 12 hours in several areas. The situation has been affected by higher fuel costs and disruptions linked to renewed hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz.
The government has also introduced a daily fuel pricing mechanism in response to volatility in international crude oil markets. The move is aimed at allowing domestic fuel prices to respond more quickly to changes in global energy prices.
Despite the arrival of the Qatari LNG cargo, concerns remain over the possibility of further disruptions. Any major escalation in the Gulf conflict could affect both crude oil and LNG supplies, potentially putting additional pressure on Pakistan’s energy sector.
Pakistan has also started purchasing small quantities of crude oil from the United States as part of efforts to diversify its energy sources. However, the longer shipping distance means that US crude can involve higher transportation costs compared with supplies from closer markets.
The arrival of Al Marrouna provides some relief to Pakistan’s energy supply situation, but energy stakeholders continue to closely monitor developments in the Gulf. The stability of the Strait of Hormuz remains important for Pakistan’s LNG, crude oil and overall fuel supply chain.
Also read: Pakistan Rejects Another High-Priced LNG Cargo Offer
