Pakistan issues urgent LNG tender as Hormuz tensions disrupt supplies

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global LNG shipments, particularly from Qatar, one of Pakistan’s main suppliers.

Pakistan has launched an emergency tender to secure a liquefied natural gas cargo this week after renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted energy flows through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

State-owned Pakistan LNG Limited invited international suppliers to bid for one cargo on a delivered ex-ship basis at Port Qasim, according to a tender notice published by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority. The tender seeks 140,000 cubic metres of LNG, with a tolerance of plus or minus 10 percent, for delivery between Tuesday and Saturday.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global LNG shipments, particularly from Qatar, one of Pakistan’s main suppliers. Any disruption to vessel traffic forces buyers to turn to the spot market, where cargoes are more expensive and harder to secure at short notice.

Pakistan has faced repeated supply pressures since regional conflict disrupted LNG flows. The government has turned to spot purchases to meet domestic demand, including a decision earlier this month to buy LNG for power producers. Officials said deliveries under Pakistan’s long-term contract with Qatar were suspended due to the US-Iran conflict.

The latest tender follows attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which raised concerns among shipowners, insurers and energy buyers about the safety of transits through the waterway.

Pakistan’s local gas production continues to decline, increasing reliance on imported LNG. Officials said the urgent tender aims to stabilise supplies and prevent shortages as demand rises.