Pakistan is set to receive additional LNG supplies after a Qatari cargo successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions. The LNG carrier Al Marrouna transported around 81,936 metric tons of LNG from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal.
The vessel crossed the strategic waterway on September 7 under Pakistan’s government-to-government LNG arrangement with Qatar.
A senior Petroleum Division official said the carrier was expected to reach Port Qasim within two days. It will berth at the Engro LNG terminal after arrival.
LNG Cargo Offers Relief to Pakistan’s Energy Sector
The shipment could provide temporary relief to Pakistan’s power sector, which faces six to 12 hours of loadshedding in some areas.
The cargo was arranged at a price equivalent to 13.37 percent of Brent. Its successful transit also provides some reassurance about Pakistan’s immediate LNG supply.
However, risks remain as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global shipping.
After a relatively calm period in August, Iran and the United States have resumed exchanging fire. Consequently, shipping traffic through Hormuz has fallen below its 10-day average.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday that they attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the Gulf.
The Guards said the vessels were attempting to cross a “prohibited and unsafe” area of the Strait. The statement followed US attacks on five Iranian tankers.
Hormuz Tensions Threaten Future LNG Supplies
The successful passage of Al Marrouna is also being closely monitored by international LNG markets.
The shipment has reduced some concerns about a prolonged disruption to Qatari LNG exports through the waterway. As a result, Asian benchmark Platts JKM and Northwest European LNG prices have faced downward pressure.
Meanwhile, Pakistan LNG Limited cancelled a spot LNG tender issued on September 5. The tender had been scheduled for opening on September 8.
The latest Qatari shipment is particularly important because it is reportedly the first Qatari LNG cargo to leave the Persian Gulf since tensions escalated around Hormuz in July.
The security situation had raised concerns about shipping disruptions and increased insurance costs for vessels using the strategic route.
For Pakistan, the successful transit offers short-term relief but does not eliminate future supply risks. Any renewed disruption could increase LNG procurement costs and put additional pressure on electricity generation.
Qatar is also working to reduce its exposure to the Hormuz chokepoint through diplomacy with Iran and stronger regional ties. Meanwhile, it continues to play a major role as an LNG supplier and regional mediator.
