Pakistan is considering allowing private companies to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to strengthen energy supplies and reduce pressure on public finances.
Two LNG terminals have reportedly remained largely underutilised since March after Middle East tensions disrupted shipments from Qatar, Pakistan’s largest LNG supplier.
The Petroleum Division has proposed expanding the auction of unused terminal capacity and allowing private firms to procure LNG directly from international markets, according to media reports.
Pakistan has relied on costly spot-market LNG cargoes to offset reduced supplies, with prices reportedly more than double pre-conflict levels. The disruption has added pressure to gas supplies for power generation and industrial consumers.
Earlier this month, a Qatari vessel carrying 81,936 metric tonnes of LNG arrived at Port Qasim after crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
