Pakistan is in advanced discussions with Qatar to secure at least four liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes, with potential shipments expected to pass through the Strait of Hormuz within days, according to officials, Dawn reported. The move comes as the power division has requested around 400 million cubic feet per day of LNG to meet electricity demand, amid rising load-shedding concerns ahead of summer. According to Bloomberg’s vessel-tracking data, at least three LNG cargoes bound for Pakistan are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt supply.

LNG imports had been disrupted last month after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israel strikes on Iran, which led to regional tensions and Qatar declaring force majeure on its LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan. Officials said Pakistan has approached Qatar at a high level to secure cargoes, with technical teams from both sides working on arrangements. Several LNG shipments are believed to be stranded near the Hormuz chokepoint.

QatarEnergy had declared force majeure on March 4 following an attack on an LNG facility, disrupting supply arrangements with Pakistan. Despite the shortfall, load shedding has eased in recent days due to higher hydropower generation, supported by increased water releases from Tarbela Dam of up to 30,000 cusecs. Officials said LNG import schedules are expected to normalise once QatarEnergy lifts force majeure conditions and shipping routes stabilise.

The power division warned that without adequate RLNG supply, reliance on alternative fuels such as high-speed diesel could increase generation costs and extend load management hours. Pakistan’s LNG-based power plants, with a combined capacity of around 6,000MW, are considered essential for meeting peak demand and maintaining grid stability. Officials noted that electricity demand is expected to rise further with the onset of summer, making RLNG availability critical for uninterrupted and cost-effective power generation.