A second liquefied natural gas cargo from Qatar arrived at the Karachi port this week to help alleviate a nationwide gas shortage [1].
These imports are critical as Pakistan faces a combination of regional supply disruptions and an increase in electricity demand. The arrival of these vessels marks the beginning of a strategic effort by Pakistan LNG Ltd to stabilize the energy grid using Qatari supplies [1, 2].
Reports on the exact arrival of the second vessel vary between May 14 [2] and May 16, 2026 [1]. However, records indicate the two Qatari shipments arrived within three days of each other [1]. The vessel reached Karachi after transiting the Strait of Hormuz [2].
This shift toward Qatari LNG comes amid significant changes in Pakistan's energy procurement. The state has previously faced challenges with other suppliers, including the cancellation of 21 cargoes under a contract with Italy's Eni [3].
Energy officials said they are utilizing these new shipments to prevent further power outages and industrial slowdowns. By securing more reliable flows from Qatar, the government aims to bridge the gap created by the loss of previous contracts, and the volatility of regional energy markets [1, 2].
“A second liquefied natural gas cargo from Qatar arrived at the Karachi port this week”
The pivot to Qatari LNG suggests a strategic realignment of Pakistan's energy dependencies following the failure of previous agreements, such as the one with Eni. By diversifying its sources and relying on the Hormuz transit route, Pakistan is attempting to insulate its power sector from regional disruptions and the instability of its previous contractual obligations.
