Pakistan has received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment of October, providing some relief to the country’s strained gas supply system ahead of the winter season. The vessel Al-Areesh, carrying LNG from Qatar, berthed at Engro’s LNG terminal on Tuesday, allowing regasification operations to resume and approximately 150 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of re-gasified LNG (RLNG) to enter the national gas network.
The shipment arrived as Pakistan faces uncertainty over international LNG supplies and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities have been working to arrange additional cargoes from Qatar, but the available outlook suggests the country may receive only two LNG shipments during October, matching the number delivered in September. Disruptions to Qatar’s exports and uncertainty over maritime traffic have complicated efforts to secure additional supplies.
Engro’s LNG terminal had remained shut since September 26 because no LNG vessel was available. The arrival of Al-Areesh restored operations at the facility. However, the second LNG terminal, operated by Pakistan GasPort Limited (PGPL), has reportedly remained non-operational since October 9 because of insufficient LNG stocks. Officials expect another cargo to be arranged for the PGPL terminal within eight to 10 days.
The limited availability of imported LNG has affected gas supplies for electricity generation. Between October 9 and October 13, neither terminal was regasifying LNG, leaving the power sector with access to approximately 38 mmcfd of gas for electricity production as of October 13. The resumption of operations at Engro’s terminal is expected to ease some of the pressure, although uncertainty remains over the timing of further deliveries.
Domestic production problems have added to the supply challenges. Around 31 mmcfd of gas from the Bettani field has remained suspended since late October 9 following a rupture in the eight-inch Bettani-Kakakhel pipeline near Sheri-Khel village. Supplies from several other facilities have also been affected by maintenance work and operational issues. Separately, approximately 45 mmcfd of raw gas intended for Liberty Power has remained suspended since September 17 over non-payment.
Pakistan’s winter gas outlook remains uncertain amid supply disruptions and rising seasonal demand. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) expects demand to increase from approximately 500 mmcfd to 1,550 mmcfd during winter, while Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) projects its requirement to rise from 300 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd. The latest Qatari shipment has restored operations at one terminal, but the availability of additional cargoes and the recovery of domestic supplies will remain important factors in meeting the country’s energy needs.
Pakistan Receives First LNG Shipment of October Amid Winter Gas Supply Concerns
