Pakistan received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo of October from Qatar on Tuesday, providing a much-needed shipment ahead of winter. However, concerns over meeting the country’s gas demand during the winter of 2026-27 remain.
The LNG vessel Al Areesh berthed at Engro’s LNG terminal at 11:05am, while the process of regasification began at noon, converting the imported LNG back into natural gas.
Pakistan will require 24 LNG cargoes to meet its gas needs during the winter of 2026-27.
Demand for gas from 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 from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) could increase from 300 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd.
The widening gap between rising demand and limited gas supplies has raised concerns about potential shortages during the winter months. Export-oriented industries, non-export industries, compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and the cement sector could face gas supply disruptions as demand increases.
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