KARACHI: A major shipment of 81,936 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar has arrived in Pakistan, reaching Port Qasim amid ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Port Qasim Authority, the LNG carrier Al Marunah berthed at Terminal 2 of Port Qasim after carrying the consignment from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal.
The shipment was delivered under a government-to-government agreement between Pakistan and Qatar. Its arrival is expected to provide temporary relief to the country’s power sector.
The shipment is particularly significant as it is the first LNG cargo from Qatar to reach Pakistan after passing through the Strait of Hormuz since tensions in the region intensified in July. The vessel crossed the Strait of Hormuz on September 7 before arriving in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan LNG Limited has cancelled a spot LNG tender issued on September 5, which was scheduled to open on September 8.
Officials said the safe arrival of the Qatari LNG cargo has eased concerns over a prolonged disruption in supplies. However, any fresh disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could put additional pressure on Pakistan’s energy security, LNG procurement costs and power generation.
