According to sources in Pakistan’s Petroleum Division, the country will not receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar until the ongoing war situation in the region ends. QatarGas has reportedly informed Pakistan about the suspension of gas supply.
Sources stated that Pakistan was scheduled to receive eight LNG cargoes from Qatar in March, but only two cargoes have arrived so far. The remaining six cargoes were expected on March 7, 11, 12, 16, 20, and 21, but their delivery has been affected due to the current situation.
Officials from the Petroleum Division said Pakistan will have to implement load management using the available LNG reserves. Through load management, LNG supply may remain available until around March 20 or 21.
Due to the disruption in LNG supply, gas delivery to the industrial sector and other sectors may be affected.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal said while speaking to the media outside Parliament House that LNG will ultimately come from Qatar, but the government also has alternative fuel options available.
He added that shipping lines are responsible for handling exports and imports and must fulfill their responsibilities. He also noted that higher war risk insurance and logistics costs for containers have started showing negative economic effects.
Jam Kamal further stated that the Gulf region is a crucial route for global trade and energy supplies, and countries relying on Gulf energy resources are likely to be affected by the situation. He added that while some alternatives can be arranged, certain matters remain beyond Pakistan’s control.
