ISLAMABAD: In a major shift in its energy procurement plans, Pakistan has moved to cancel a significant portion of its future liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, scrapping a total of 45 cargoes scheduled for delivery up to 2027. The decision underscores a strategic reassessment of the country’s long-term fuel needs and financial commitments.
The cancellations specifically impact long-term supply agreements with two key partners: Qatar and an Italian energy supplier. According to the details, Pakistan has canceled all 24 LNG cargoes that were contracted from Qatar for the year 2026. The scaling back from the Italian supplier is even more extensive. For 2026, only one cargo, expected in January, will proceed instead of the originally planned 12. Furthermore, for 2027, 10 out of 12 contracted cargoes from the Italian company have been canceled.
Authorities have confirmed that the formal process of canceling these shipments with the relevant international companies is now complete. These adjustments pertain specifically to cargoes under binding long-term purchase agreements, indicating a significant contractual revision rather than a change in spot market purchases.
The large-scale cancellation points to a recalibration driven by several factors, including revised demand forecasts, current domestic gas supply levels, and pressing economic constraints aimed at managing the import bill. While the move alleviates future foreign exchange.
Meanwhile in a significant stride towards urban modernization, the Balochistan government has sealed a crucial financial agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to conduct a feasibility study for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Quetta. The move marks a major milestone in Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti’s vision to establish a modern, safe, and quality transport network across the province.
The Project Readiness Financing Agreement was formally signed at a ceremony held at the Economic Affairs Division in Islamabad on December 5, 2025. Secretary of the Balochistan Transport Department, Hayat Kakar, represented the provincial government, signing the pact that will fund the comprehensive technical study essential for the Quetta BRT project. The event was attended by Director of the Balochistan Traffic Engineering Bureau Dr. Sajjad Baloch, officials from the Economic Affairs Division, and other relevant authorities.
