Pakistan-negotiated LNG shipment attacked near Strait of Hormuz

A Qatar-origin LNG cargo vessel was hit by gunfire near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, despite Pakistan having arranged passage discussions with Iran, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The Marshall Islands-registered Al Mayeda had received Iranian clearance shortly before the incident, but ship-tracking data showed it turning back into the Persian Gulf. Nakilat said on Sunday that the ship was still functioning and being assessed.

Qatar’s government said an inquiry was under way, while India’s shipping minister reported that all 25 crew members were safe. The attack’s cause and any renewed voyage remain unknown. Pakistan has faced energy shortages for months amid Middle East conflict-related disruptions, and failure to receive this cargo could force it to seek replacement LNG at spot-market prices above three times pre-war levels. October LNG traffic through Hormuz was about 30% of its pre-war volume, although Qatar has continued sending cargoes since September.