Pakistan has purchased its seventh spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo since QatarEnergy declared force majeure in March 2026. The latest purchase came at a record price of $21.88 per MMBtu, reflecting the country’s growing dependence on expensive spot market imports as supply disruptions continue.
The latest procurement highlights the mounting pressure on Pakistan’s energy sector. It also raises concerns about higher electricity generation costs and a possible increase in power tariffs in the coming months.
Pakistan Buys Seventh Spot LNG Cargo at Highest Price Since March
Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) received only one bid for its latest international tender. TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited submitted the sole offer at $21.88 per MMBtu. After technical and commercial evaluation, authorities accepted the bid.
Earlier, on July 17, PLL invited international suppliers to provide one spot LNG cargo of 140,000 cubic metres. The cargo is scheduled for delivery between July 27 and July 28.
This purchase marks Pakistan’s seventh spot LNG cargo since QatarEnergy suspended supplies under its long-term agreement. Consequently, the country continues to rely on costly emergency imports to meet domestic gas demand.
Qatar Supply Disruptions Continue
Pakistan’s increasing dependence on the spot market began after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on March 4, 2026. The decision followed an attack on the company’s Ras Laffan LNG production complex.
Since then, the disruption has continued. The force majeure remains in effect until at least August 2026, affecting LNG deliveries under the long-term contract.
Officials linked the disruption to ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, Pakistan has repeatedly entered the spot market to secure fuel supplies for power generation and industrial consumption.
Pakistan’s LNG Import Bill Continues to Rise
The latest award makes TotalEnergies the supplier of Pakistan’s seventh spot LNG cargo since March.
Earlier this month, Pakistan also awarded a spot cargo to PetroChina International. On July 15, PLL purchased that shipment for delivery on July 21–22 at $20.6999 per MMBtu. At the time, it was the highest price Pakistan had paid since returning to the spot market following the regional conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.
However, the newly awarded cargo has now surpassed that price.
The latest purchase further demonstrates Pakistan’s increasing reliance on expensive spot LNG imports as disruptions under the QatarEnergy agreement continue.
Twelve LNG Cargoes Imported During Current Supply Period
With the arrival of the latest shipment, Pakistan will have imported 12 LNG cargoes during the current supply period.
These imports include seven spot cargoes secured through international competitive bidding. They also include five government-to-government cargoes supplied by QatarEnergy under the long-term agreement.
Although long-term LNG contracts generally offer lower prices, the prolonged disruption has forced Pakistan to buy more expensive spot cargoes to avoid shortages.
Therefore, the country’s LNG import bill has increased significantly.
Higher LNG Costs May Affect Electricity Prices
The expensive LNG purchases are also increasing electricity generation costs.
According to energy officials, LNG-based power generation currently costs around Rs35.5 per unit.
During June 2026, LNG-fired power plants generated 1,480 gigawatt-hours of electricity. This accounted for 11.02% of Pakistan’s total electricity generation.
As LNG remains an important fuel source, continued reliance on high-priced spot imports could increase the country’s base electricity tariff in the coming months.
Government Continues Emergency Purchases
Despite the rising financial burden, the government continues purchasing spot LNG cargoes to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies.
Officials believe these imports remain necessary to support electricity generation and maintain fuel supplies for industrial consumers.
However, if supply disruptions continue beyond August, Pakistan may face additional pressure on both its energy import bill and electricity costs.
