LNG Cargo
On Wednesday, Pakistan announced a significant milestone in its energy procurement efforts with the successful acquisition of a second LNG cargo from the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). The procurement was orchestrated by the Energy Ministry and Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL), marking a strategic move to bolster the country’s energy resources.
The LNG cargo, secured through an agreement with SOCAR, is slated for delivery in the upcoming month. This development comes on the heels of a landmark framework agreement inked between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in July of the previous year, highlighting a commitment to flexible terms in LNG procurement.
In addition to this recent deal with Azerbaijan, Pakistan is actively addressing its winter fuel deficit by diversifying its LNG sources. Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has taken the initiative to secure a spot LNG cargo for January delivery, awarding the tender to Oman’s OQ Trading. However, sources indicate that the procurement comes at a price premium to the spot market, attributed in part to Pakistan’s credit risk.
The backdrop for these LNG procurement endeavors includes challenges faced by Pakistan in obtaining spot cargoes following the global spike in prices last year, triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This situation led to widespread power outages, underscoring the critical importance of securing stable and reliable energy sources.
The State-run PLL, mandated by the government, plays a pivotal role in managing the entire supply chain of LNG. From international procurement to onward arrangements for gas supply to end-users, PLL is actively contributing to Pakistan’s energy resilience and security in the face of evolving global dynamics. The successful execution of these LNG agreements reflects not only a pragmatic response to immediate energy needs but also a strategic approach to long-term energy sustainability.
