Pakistan has issued spot tenders to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG) for May as it moves to secure energy supplies amid growing uncertainty over regional shipping routes, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.
According to Petroleum Division sources, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has invited bids from international suppliers for two LNG cargoes. Companies have been asked to submit bids by May 7, with the same-day opening scheduled for evaluation.
The first LNG shipment is expected to arrive between May 12 and 14, while the second is planned for delivery between May 24 and 26.
Officials said the decision comes as Pakistan seeks to maintain stable gas supplies amid concerns over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, following rising tensions in the Middle East. The situation has raised questions over the reliability of scheduled energy shipments, according to The News.
Sources further said that Pakistan is pursuing alternative arrangements after QatarEnergy reportedly expressed reluctance over routing scheduled cargoes through the strategic waterway due to security risks.
Earlier, PLL awarded an LNG cargo to TotalEnergies at $18.4 per MMBtu, which was delivered at the end of April and is currently being processed at the Pakistan GasPort Limited terminal at Port Qasim.
Authorities estimate that at least two LNG cargoes will be required in May to meet domestic energy demand, while diplomatic and commercial efforts continue to ensure uninterrupted supply flows.