Pakistan yet to decide on proposed $2 billion LNG import plan as winter gas shortage looms

Pakistan has not approved a proposed winter purchase of 22 LNG cargoes estimated at nearly $2 billion, even as officials warn that delays could bring supply cuts for industrial, power and fertiliser users. Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Cabinet Committee on Energy has yet to consider the Petroleum Division’s plan, which was intended to cover demand from November through February.

The proposed volume is still under discussion, with a separate option for 15 cargoes also being considered. Officials estimated winter gas demand could rise from 850 mmcfd to 1,600 mmcfd, while demand on the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited network could double to 1,100 mmcfd. The plan assigns nine cargoes to power generation and 13 to household use, with CNG, industrial and fertiliser supplies subject to availability; officials also warned that two fertiliser plants on the SNGPL network could face suspension.