Islamabad is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Qatar to obtain at least four shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the country seeks to mitigate an escalating electricity shortage ahead of the summer season. The deliveries could commence within days through the Strait of Hormuz, following indications that maritime traffic in the area may soon resume after weeks of disruption.
This move comes amid growing criticism over power outages occurring even before the peak summer demand period. The Power Division has requested the Petroleum Division to arrange approximately 400 million cubic feet per day of LNG to sustain electricity generation across the national grid.
Last month, LNG imports were suspended due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The crisis originated from US-Israel strikes on Iran, which were followed by retaliatory attacks targeting energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries. Consequently, Qatar declared force majeure on its LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan.
With supply routes disrupted, Pakistan’s energy managers urgently sought to secure fuel supplies after learning that Pakistani-flagged vessels might soon be permitted passage through the strategic waterway. Several Qatari LNG shipments had previously been forced to return, with many believed to be stranded near the chokepoint.
Islamabad has formally requested Doha to allocate at least four of these cargoes, with senior officials confirming active diplomatic engagement to facilitate the process. Technical teams from both nations are currently coordinating the logistical arrangements.
In a significant development, this effort aligns with recent diplomatic visits by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior military officials to key Middle Eastern capitals aimed at easing regional tensions and restoring energy supply routes.
Energy authorities warn that electricity demand is already rising and will surge further as temperatures increase. Without sufficient LNG supplies, maintaining operations at major gas-fired power plants—especially those in Punjab with a combined capacity of about 6,000 megawatts—will be challenging.
Officials caution that substituting LNG with alternative fuels such as high-speed diesel or furnace oil would substantially increase generation costs. Diesel-based power, already costly before the regional conflict, could now exceed Rs80 per unit, adding financial pressure on consumers.
The Power Division emphasizes that a continuous LNG supply is critical to ensure grid stability and meet demand across public distribution companies and Karachi’s K-Electric network. A detailed fuel requirement forecast has been provided to the Petroleum Division to assist in planning for the upcoming weeks.
Authorities further note that prolonged LNG shortages could force greater reliance on expensive backup fuels, potentially leading to extended outages and higher electricity bills due to fuel price adjustments.
During peak summer months, electricity demand typically surpasses 28,000 megawatts, compared to current peak levels near 20,000 megawatts. Although solar energy has helped reduce daytime consumption, grid dependence increases after sunset, intensifying pressure on the system.
With temperatures expected to rise, securing LNG supplies remains a top priority to prevent a worsening energy crisis in the near future.
