ISLAMABAD: Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has launched its first spot tender for liquefied natural gas (LNG) since December 2023, as the country grapples with supply shortfalls triggered by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in key energy shipping routes.
The state-owned company is seeking bids from international suppliers for three LNG cargoes, each of approximately 140,000 cubic metres.
The deliveries are scheduled for April 27–30, May 1–7, and May 8–14 at Port Qasim in Karachi, according to a tender notice issued on Thursday.
Pakistan has reportedly not received any LNG shipments loaded after February 28, when hostilities in the Middle East escalated and Iran imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway, which links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, has traditionally been a vital transit corridor for global energy trade.
The disruption has significantly affected Pakistan’s LNG imports, with Qatar previously serving as its primary supplier.
According to Kpler data, Qatar accounted for the bulk of the 6.64 million metric tonnes of LNG imported by Pakistan last year.
However, Qatar itself relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for exporting its energy cargoes.
Amid the ongoing supply constraints, Azerbaijan’s state energy firm SOCAR has expressed readiness to supply LNG to Pakistan upon receiving an official request from Islamabad.
This follows a framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG, which allows for direct cargo procurement under an expedited arrangement.
Meanwhile, global LNG markets have tightened sharply. Iran’s reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of global LNG flows previously passed—has pushed Asian spot LNG prices to a three-year high.
Prices, tracked as LNG-AS, were last recorded at $16.05 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), marking a 54% increase since February 23, although they have eased slightly from recent peaks.
Energy analysts note that the disruption has forced a downward revision of global LNG supply forecasts, warning that persistently high prices may suppress demand across Asian markets as importers struggle with affordability.
