Pakistan LNG Limited has issued its first spot tender for liquefied natural gas (LNG) since December 2023, responding to emerging supply shortages and increasing domestic energy demand. The move comes in the wake of disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global energy supply routes.
The state-owned company is seeking bids from international suppliers for three LNG cargoes, each with a capacity of approximately 140,000 cubic metres. The deliveries are scheduled for April 27–30, May 1–7, and May 8–14 at Port Qasim in Karachi. The tender is set to close on April 24.
In this regard, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari stated that the procurement aims to meet rising electricity demand and reduce reliance on more expensive fuels such as diesel and furnace oil.
He also noted uncertainty regarding the timeline for additional LNG supplies from Qatar, Pakistan’s primary supplier.
The tender follows recent nationwide power outages caused by a combination of reduced hydropower generation and interruptions in LNG supply. These challenges have exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s energy mix, particularly during periods of peak demand.
Pakistan has not received any LNG shipments loaded after that date. The situation worsened after Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route. Qatar, which supplies a significant portion of Pakistan’s LNG imports, relies heavily on this passage for exports.
Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR has expressed readiness to supply LNG to Pakistan under an existing framework agreement signed in 2025. This arrangement allows expedited procurement if requested by Islamabad.
