Pakistan secures another Qatari LNG cargo

Business Recorder, citing Bloomberg, said Pakistan negotiated with Iran to let another Qatari LNG cargo transit Hormuz. Having taken on its cargo at Ras Laffan in late June, the vessel got through the waterway on the weekend and should dock at Pakistan's import facility by Tuesday, ship-tracking data shows. The arrangement was reached between government officials, the report quoted people familiar with the matter as saying.

This is the second Qatari delivery this month, following the arrival of Al Marrouna at Port Qasim. According to the report, Pakistan had weighed a tender if the cargo failed to clear Hormuz. The government would rather avoid pricier spot purchases, where rates have climbed to levels not seen since 2022.

Earlier, renewed fighting in Hormuz forced cancellation of a July 2026 Qatari cargo, after which Qatar declared force majeure, leaving Pakistan to seek emergency and alternative supplies. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik cautioned on Sunday that a shortage could push fuel to Rs1,000 per litre, while noting no current shortage. He added that oil prices abroad have risen roughly 80 percent since March 1 of this year, while Pakistan's petrol prices have gone up by only 50 percent.