Pakistan has received its third liquefied natural gas cargo from Qatar within two weeks as regional tensions continue raising concerns about shipping routes and global energy supplies. The LNG tanker Fuwairit successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and entered Pakistani waters before its scheduled docking at the Engro LNG Terminal on Monday. Officials said the uninterrupted arrival reflects the importance of Pakistan’s long-term LNG partnership with Qatar during a period of growing uncertainty across Gulf energy markets.
Senior officials from the Petroleum Division confirmed that another LNG vessel is expected to arrive within the coming days and dock at the Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited terminal at Port Qasim. Earlier this month, the LNG carrier Mihzem delivered nearly 160,000 cubic metres of LNG to the PGPL terminal on May 15. Additionally, the Q-Flex LNG carrier Al Kharaitiyat docked at the Engro terminal on May 13, ensuring a steady flow of fuel supplies into Pakistan’s energy system.
Read more : Oil and LNG tankers exit Hormuz, heading for Pakistan and China
Officials stated that these back-to-back LNG shipments demonstrate Pakistan’s increasing reliance on long-term agreements with Qatar at a time when geopolitical tensions are disrupting global shipping confidence. Concerns over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified due to instability in the Gulf region, creating pressure on energy-importing economies across Asia. However, Pakistan’s existing LNG contracts have so far helped protect the country from immediate supply shortages and sudden increases in international spot market prices.
According to energy sector officials, Pakistan has secured all incoming LNG cargoes under long-term supply agreements priced at 13.37% of Brent crude oil benchmarks. This pricing mechanism is currently providing major financial relief compared with the Asian spot LNG market, where prices have surged sharply in recent weeks. The Japan/Korea Marker, widely used as Asia’s benchmark for spot LNG rates, has climbed to nearly $18.81 per MMBtu amid fears surrounding regional shipping disruptions and supply uncertainties.
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Meanwhile, officials said stable LNG imports are helping Pakistan manage pressure on foreign exchange reserves and rising electricity generation costs during peak summer demand. Official linepack data released on May 25 showed that the power sector was consuming nearly 397 million cubic feet per day of regasified LNG for electricity production. Authorities believe uninterrupted LNG deliveries remain essential for maintaining energy stability, avoiding fuel shortages, and supporting industrial and domestic power consumption nationwide.
Officials also confirmed that both LNG terminals operating at Port Qasim remain fully functional and continue handling cargo operations without any disruption despite heightened regional tensions. Energy experts noted that smooth terminal operations and reliable LNG imports are playing a critical role in strengthening Pakistan’s energy security during uncertain global market conditions. Consequently, the government is expected to continue prioritising long-term LNG agreements to minimise exposure to volatile international spot prices and supply risks.