Pakistan set for LNG relief after Qatar shipments: Bloomberg

Pakistan is poised to receive deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) following the passage of a vessel carrying Qatari fuel through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg. The Al Marrouna, which has already transited the waterway, is expected to reach Pakistan by Thursday, and another vessel with Qatari LNG is anticipated to cross in the coming days, according to traders familiar with the matter.

Bloomberg reported that this development will enable Pakistan to circumvent expensive LNG purchases from the spot market. The country has not issued a tender for the September shipment due to the absence of offers from suppliers, signaling a tight market. Pakistan is grappling with significant difficulties in securing LNG deliveries due to geopolitical disruptions and high spot market prices.

The nation relies on long-term supply agreements with Qatar for stable and cost-effective LNG; however, the cancellation of a Qatari LNG shipment scheduled for July 2026 due to renewed hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with Qatar declaring force majeure, has disrupted LNG imports. Consequently, Pakistan has had to resort to emergency supplies or expensive spot cargoes.