An LNG carrier, Seapeak Magellan, has docked at Pakistan GasPort terminal after nearly two months, resuming the supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) into the national gas network, according to a report.
The vessel, carrying around 140,000 cubic metres of LNG, berthed at the terminal operated by Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited. The cargo was arranged by TotalEnergies at a reported price of $18.40 per mmbtu, marking the first LNG shipment to arrive after a recent gap in supply.
Regasification began at an initial rate of 50 million cubic feet per day (MMcf), before being gradually increased to 250 MMcf and later to 260 MMcf based on system requirements and available inventory. Of the total supply being injected into the system, 45 MMcf has been allocated to K-Electric, while the remainder is being supplied to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).
Energy officials said the arrival of the cargo is providing temporary relief to the power sector. The Power Division confirmed that there was zero load management as of April 30, attributing system stability in part to earlier adjustments in domestic gas allocations to power plants. Authorities expect further easing of pressure on the energy system as electricity demand rises with increasing temperatures.
Despite the improvement, officials warned that the supply outlook remains uncertain. Government sources said efforts are ongoing to secure another LNG cargo for delivery between May 10 and May 12, with a decision pending on whether procurement will be conducted through open bidding or via the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
At the same time, Pakistan is working to secure four LNG cargoes from Qatar that have been delayed due to disruptions in maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The issue has been taken up at high-level forums, including the National Crisis Management Committee.
Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has also held discussions with the Iranian ambassador in connection with ensuring safe passage of energy shipments through regional waterways.
Officials noted that a recent successful transit of a diesel cargo through the Strait of Hormuz has raised cautious optimism that stranded LNG shipments may also be delivered soon, which could improve Pakistan’s energy security in the coming weeks.