Pakistan has resumed liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the Persian Gulf following a severe energy crisis caused by conflict involving Iran.
The restoration of these shipments is critical because Pakistan relies on the region for approximately 90% [1] of its oil and petroleum products. Disruptions to these corridors threaten the country's power grid and industrial stability.
The energy shortage intensified after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026 [4]. This closure halted the flow of essential fuel and contributed to a global surge in oil and gas prices on March 3, 2026 [5]. The resulting scarcity led to intermittent power cuts across the country throughout April and May.
Recent diplomatic efforts have allowed for the return of fuel carriers. Pakistan received its first LNG cargo after a gap of almost two months [2]. A second shipment arrived within a week of the first [3]. These tankers, including Qatari vessels, are among the first to pass through the strait since the February closure [4].
Government and energy sector officials said the shipments provide temporary relief to the struggling energy sector. The conflict, which includes attacks on shipping and the closure of vital waterways, has forced the country to utilize diplomatic clout to secure essential resources.
While the arrival of these cargoes eases immediate pressure, the volatility of the region continues to pose a risk to energy security. The reliance on a single maritime chokepoint remains a primary vulnerability for the Pakistani economy.
“Pakistan relies on the region for approximately 90% of its oil and petroleum products.”
The intermittent return of LNG shipments highlights Pakistan's extreme vulnerability to geopolitical instability in the Persian Gulf. Because the country lacks diversified energy sources and depends heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, any prolonged conflict involving Iran can trigger immediate domestic economic distress and power failures.
