KARACHI (Dunya News) – A major shipment of 81,936 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar has arrived at Port Qasim, providing a potentially important boost to Pakistan’s energy supplies amid continuing pressure on the power sector.
According to a spokesperson for the Port Qasim Authority, the LNG carrier Al Marrouna has berthed at Terminal No. 2 after arriving from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal.
The spokesperson said the vessel safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz on September 7 before continuing its journey to Pakistan.
The LNG cargo was dispatched under a government-to-government arrangement between Pakistan and Qatar, which remains a key supplier of imported LNG to the country.
The arrival is expected to provide temporary relief to Pakistan’s power sector at a time when some areas have reportedly been experiencing six to 12 hours of electricity load-shedding.
Hormuz crossing adds significance to LNG arrival
The shipment carries additional significance because it is described as the first Qatari LNG cargo departing the Persian Gulf to reach Pakistan through the Strait of Hormuz since tensions around the strategic waterway escalated in July.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, and any disruption to shipping through the waterway can have consequences for LNG and oil supplies to international markets.
Pakistan relies on imported LNG to help meet domestic gas and electricity-generation requirements, making the uninterrupted movement of cargoes through major maritime routes important for the country’s energy security.
Pakistan LNG cancels spot tender
Separately, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has cancelled a spot LNG tender issued on September 5 that was scheduled to be opened on September 8.
The safe arrival of the Qatari cargo may ease some immediate concerns over prolonged supply disruptions affecting LNG shipments to Asian and European markets.
However, risks remain. Any renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could increase pressure on Pakistan’s energy security, LNG procurement costs and electricity generation, particularly if shipping interruptions affect the availability or price of imported fuel.
For Pakistan, the latest cargo therefore represents more than a routine LNG delivery, as its successful passage through the Strait of Hormuz offers an important indication that energy shipments can continue despite heightened regional risks.