Pakistan plans to import 22 LNG cargoes for $1.29 billion to meet winter demand

According to The Express Tribune, Pakistan is preparing to bring in 22 liquefied natural gas cargoes over the November 2026 to February 2027 period, with the bill put at $1.29 billion. The purchases aim to cover stronger winter gas use while Middle East hostilities disrupt supplies. Ten of the shipments would be sourced on the spot market for roughly $863 million, while the other 12 would come under existing long-term arrangements costing about $429.83 million.

Spot cargoes are projected to cost almost double the amount of Qatari long-term supplies, which would push up winter import spending. At a latest spot price of $26.30 per MMBtu, each spot cargo would cost $86.3 million. The projections also show 11 Qatari cargoes worth $351.41 million and one Eni cargo valued at $78.42 million, although an earlier plan had assigned all 12 long-term cargoes to Qatar.

January 2027 is expected to peak, needing eight cargoes at $437.32 million, while December 2026 adds $369 million. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) holds two government-to-government deals with QatarEnergy, entitling it to about 6.75 million tonnes a year, or 108 cargoes. PSO and QatarEnergy had agreed earlier this year to redirect 24 cargoes due in 2026 owing to soft local demand. The $1.29 billion total depends on actual supply, contract quantities, long-term prices and spot rates.