Pakistan set to receive LNG cargo from Qatar at Port Qasim

May 11, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is set to receive a liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar within the next few days as the supply vessel heads towards Port Qasim, Senate was informed on May 11.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum in Islamabad, said the LNG vessel is expected to dock on Tuesday.

He noted that spot LNG cargoes in the international market are currently priced significantly higher, ranging between $18 and $20 per mmbtu, compared to lower-cost supplies under long-term contracts.

“If cheaper LNG is available from Qatar, it makes sense to utilize that option,” he remarked.

Officials at Port Qasim indicated that the vessel could arrive either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Sources tracking vessel movements suggested that the LNG carrier “Al Khariyat” is en route and expected to berth soon.

The incoming shipment will be part of Pakistan’s long-term LNG supply arrangement with Qatar and marks the first such cargo in over two months. Pakistan typically imports around 9–10 LNG cargoes per month under its agreements with Qatar.

The country currently maintains two long-term LNG contracts with Qatar, including a 15-year agreement expiring in January 2031 with a Brent slope of 13.37%, and a 10-year contract ending in December 2032 with a Brent slope of 10.2%.

Separately, officials said Pakistan LNG Ltd. has cancelled a second emergency LNG cargo tender amid expectations of improved supply conditions from Qatar.

The tender had attracted seven bids for two spot cargoes across different delivery windows, but was withdrawn following renewed expectations of steady contractual inflows.

According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, LNG imports in March declined to $70m, compared to $189m in February and $226m in March 2025, showing fluctuations in import volumes and pricing.

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