Pakistan has purchased its seventh spot LNG cargo since Qatar Energy declared force majeure earlier this year, paying a record price of $21.88 per MMBtu as ongoing regional tensions continue to disrupt long-term gas supplies.
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Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) received only one bid for its latest spot tender, which was submitted by TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited. The offer was reviewed and found technically and commercially compliant before being accepted by authorities.
The cargo, with a volume of 140,000 cubic metres, is scheduled for delivery during the July 27–28 window. The purchase highlights Pakistan’s increasing dependence on the expensive spot LNG market due to continued disruptions in contracted supplies.
QatarEnergy declared force majeure on March 4, 2026, following an attack on its Ras Laffan LNG production facility. The disruption, linked to rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional instability, has affected LNG deliveries under Pakistan’s long-term agreement with Qatar.
The force majeure situation has reportedly been extended until at least August, forcing Pakistan to arrange additional spot cargoes to meet domestic gas requirements.
Earlier in July, PLL awarded another spot LNG cargo to PetroChina International at $20.6999 per MMBtu for delivery on July 21–22. The latest purchase from TotalEnergies has surpassed that price, becoming the most expensive spot LNG cargo acquired by Pakistan since returning to the spot market.
With the arrival of the latest shipment, Pakistan will have imported 12 LNG cargoes during the current supply period. These include seven spot purchases through competitive bidding and five government-to-government cargoes supplied by QatarEnergy under the existing long-term contract.
The increased reliance on spot LNG has raised concerns over the country’s energy import costs. Spot market prices remain significantly higher than rates available through long-term agreements, increasing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and power generation expenses.
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Energy officials said LNG-based electricity generation currently costs around Rs35.5 per unit. In June 2026, LNG-fired power plants generated 1,480 GWh, contributing 11.02 per cent of Pakistan’s total electricity production.
Officials warned that continued dependence on costly LNG imports could increase electricity generation costs and put further pressure on electricity tariffs in the coming months