Pakistan-Qatar LNG supply and infrastructure developments

Pakistan has begun receiving its first October liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar via the vessel ‘Al-Arish’ to the Engro LNG terminal. While this shipment adds 150 million cubic feet of regasified LNG daily to the national network, experts remain concerned about a potential winter energy crisis. Demand is projected to rise significantly, and supply stability is complicated by a force majeure declared by QatarEnergy following an attack on the Ras Laffan facility, which is currently set to last until November 6.

In a significant development, the Energas consortium—comprising Pakistan’s Lucky Group and QatarEnergy—has abandoned plans to construct a $2 billion LNG terminal at Port Qasim. The consortium cited regulatory hurdles, shifts in national energy policy, and concerns over commercial viability as reasons for the withdrawal. Concurrently, Pakistan’s petroleum minister has indicated intentions to renegotiate existing LNG supply pacts with Qatar to secure more favorable terms, noting that an economic crisis has led to reduced domestic power consumption and a surplus of LNG.