Key points
- 2026 shipments may shift to 2031
- Power demand drops amid solar growth
- IMF loan conditions affect consumption
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is planning to request a delay in liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries from Qatar over the next five years, due to subdued domestic demand and increasing import expenses.
Pakistan plans to ask Qatar to delay delivery of liquefied natural gas supply over the next five years as the South Asian country grapples with weak demand and mounting import costs https://t.co/wlqEtEknWN
— Bloomberg (@business) August 25, 2025
Government officials are currently in Qatar to ask for a postponement of two LNG cargoes per month scheduled for 2026. These would be deferred until after 2031. Pakistan typically receives around nine shipments per month from Qatar, reports Bloomberg.
Further delays are expected to be requested for the years 2027 to 2030, as demand continues to lag and concerns about rising national debt persist.
The shift marks a significant change for Pakistan, which only a few years ago faced acute gas shortages. Since then, power demand has fallen, largely due to the government’s decision to raise electricity prices to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and reduce utility debt. Simultaneously, a rapid expansion in solar power has also helped to reduce reliance on gas.
Domestic gas production
Imported LNG has become less attractive to utility companies, as it is more expensive than alternative fuels, contributing to a supply glut. Domestic gas production has also been intentionally slowed to manage the surplus LNG already contracted.
Pakistan is to table four options before the Qatari authorities for rationalization of LNG cargoes due to limited available flexibility for cargo reduction options, sources close to Petroleum Minister told Business Recorder.https://t.co/xFMARyP6HA#brecordernews pic.twitter.com/bSk9pO8Dnu
— Business Recorder (@brecordernews) August 26, 2025
Pakistan has previously deferred multiple LNG shipments from Qatar for 2025 into 2026 and has asked its other supplier, Eni Spa, to divert deliveries.
These latest requests follow recent comments by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who told the media that Pakistan would “exercise options available in the agreement with Qatar to adjust for current demand.”
The Petroleum Division has not yet responded to requests for comment.
