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ISLAMABAD: A third liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel carrying Qatari supply for Pakistan has entered the Strait of Hormuz after receiving special clearance from Iran, offering potential relief to Pakistan’s ongoing gas shortage.
Shipping sources said Iran has allowed the passage of a third LNG cargo destined for Pakistan during the past two weeks despite heightened regional tensions and disruptions in maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
The LNG carrier “Mozah” is currently moving past Iran’s Hengam Island in the Strait of Hormuz after loading cargo from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal, one of the world’s largest LNG export facilities.
Sources said the cargo is being transported to the Engro LNG terminal in Pakistan, while another Qatari LNG vessel, “Al Kharaitiyat,” has already arrived in Karachi.
The first LNG cargo reached Port Qasim on April 30 and was procured through open competitive bidding. However, the remaining two cargoes are being supplied under the long-term LNG agreement between Pakistan and Qatar.
Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) had earlier rejected the lowest spot LNG bids received on May 7 during an international tender process due to pricing concerns. Industry sources said PLL is scheduled to open fresh bids today for two additional LNG cargoes through open bidding to meet rising domestic demand.
Pakistan has been facing severe gas shortages in recent weeks after regional instability and tensions involving Iran disrupted energy supply routes and created uncertainty in the global LNG market.
Energy analysts said the continued arrival of Qatari LNG cargoes could help stabilize Pakistan’s gas supply situation, particularly for power generation and industrial consumption, at a time when the country remains heavily dependent on imported LNG.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy corridor through which a major share of the world’s oil and gas shipments passes. Any disruption in the route is closely monitored by global energy markets due to its impact on fuel prices and supply chains.
