Pakistan Secures Another Qatari LNG Cargo Through Hormuz

Pakistan has secured the safe passage of another Qatari LNG cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief amid growing concerns over energy supplies and elevated spot-market prices.

 

The LNG tanker, which loaded its cargo at Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility in late June, crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend and is expected to arrive at Pakistan’s LNG import terminal by Tuesday, according to ship-tracking data.

 

The passage was reportedly facilitated through negotiations between Pakistani and Iranian government officials.

 

The shipment marks the second Qatari LNG delivery to Pakistan this month. Earlier, the LNG tanker Al Marrouna arrived at Port Qasim carrying a cargo from Qatar.

 

Pakistan had been considering arranging an additional LNG tender if the vessel failed to pass through the Strait. The successful delivery could help the government avoid purchasing replacement cargoes from the international spot market, where LNG prices have climbed to their highest levels since 2022.

 

Pakistan remains heavily dependent on long-term LNG supply agreements with Qatar for relatively stable and competitively priced gas supplies. However, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have complicated deliveries, including the cancellation of a Qatari LNG shipment scheduled for July 2026 after Qatar declared force majeure.

 

The disruptions have increased pressure on Pakistan to secure emergency LNG supplies and consider alternative fuels as international spot prices remain elevated.

 

Separately, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik warned that petrol prices could potentially rise to Rs1,000 per litre if a fuel shortage emerges. However, he said there was currently no shortage in the country.

 

Malik said international oil prices had increased by around 80%, while domestic petrol prices had risen by roughly 50% since March 1, 2026.