Pakistan secures another Qatari LNG cargo via Hormuz: report

Pakistan has obtained a further liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from Qatar after arranging a secure route across the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, Business Recorder reported, citing Bloomberg. The vessel took on its load at Ras Laffan in Qatar during late June, passed through the strait during the weekend and is due at Pakistan's import terminal by Tuesday, according to ship-tracking data. It is the second Qatari delivery this month, after Al Marrouna reached Port Qasim earlier.

Pakistan had weighed a tender in case the cargo could not get through Hormuz, but the government is said to favour a successful delivery to avoid pricey spot-market buys, which have climbed to their highest since 2022. The report quoted people familiar with the matter saying the route was arranged through official channels.

Renewed hostilities in the strait earlier forced the cancellation of a Qatari shipment due in July 2026, and Qatar invoked force majeure, which disrupted LNG imports. Separately, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik warned on Sunday that fuel could reach Rs1,000 per litre if a shortage emerges, while maintaining there is no shortage at present. He said in Lahore that international oil prices had risen by about 80% since March 1 this year, whereas petrol in Pakistan had gone up only 50% over that period.