ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo for October, but concerns are mounting over the availability of gas during the upcoming winter season.
The much-needed LNG shipment arrived from Qatar just a day ago, and the vessel Al Areesh berthed at Engro’s LNG terminal at 11:05am, with the process of regasification beginning at noon.
Pakistan will require 24 LNG cargoes to meet its gas demand during the winter of 2026-27.
Demand for gas supplied by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is expected to rise from the current 550 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 1,550 mmcfd during winter. Meanwhile, demand in the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) network could increase from 300 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd.
The widening gap between rising demand and limited supplies has raised concerns that several sectors may face gas shortages during the winter months.
The export-oriented industries, non-export industries, compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and the cement sector are among those that could face disruptions in gas supplies as the country prepares for the seasonal increase in consumption.