First Qatari LNG Cargo Since July Reaches Pakistan

A vessel carrying 82,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas from Qatar has docked at Port Qasim in Pakistan, marking the first such shipment through the Strait of Hormuz since July. The Al Marrouna, loaded with LNG from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal, passed through the strait on Monday and reached Engro LNG Terminal on Thursday, according to port officials.

This marks the first Qatar-origin LNG cargo to arrive in Pakistan via the strait since July 11, as scheduled shipments from Qatar Energy were disrupted due to regional tensions. The Qatar government-to-government deal with Pakistan aims to bolster power sector supplies and provide temporary relief amid fuel shortages and soaring energy prices.

The arrival also quells fears of prolonged interruptions in Qatari LNG deliveries through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for Pakistan's energy imports. Pakistan currently grapples with six to 12-hour power outages in various regions due to high fuel costs stemming from the Gulf conflict. To address fuel market volatility, the government has introduced a daily fuel pricing system.

Pakistan has also begun importing limited amounts of crude oil from the United States, though increased shipping distances have raised costs. While the recent LNG delivery is a positive step, stakeholders remain wary of further Gulf conflict escalation, which could disrupt both crude oil and LNG supplies. Pakistan has started procuring small quantities of crude from the U.S., but the longer shipping routes have led to higher expenses.