LNG vessel from Qatar set to berth at Karachi after two months

A Qatari LNG vessel will berth in Karachi on Tuesday, the petroleum minister confirmed, ending a pause of nearly two months in LNG arrivals from Qatar.

Marine traffic data shows the Al Kharaitiyat vessel near Karachi after departing Qatar's Ras Laffan Port on May 2.

The resumption of supply from Qatar came after Iran reportedly approved the shipment under a government-to-government deal.

Why did Qatar's LNG supply to Pakistan stop?

Qatar declared force majeure in March 2026 following Iran's attacks on its energy infrastructure, halting long-term LNG supplies to Pakistan.

The disruption forced Pakistan to shut down LNG-fired power generation units, causing an electricity shortfall during peak summer demand.

Pakistan has two long-term LNG contracts with Qatar covering up to 6.75 million tonnes per annum. The supplies cost around 45% to 47% less than spot cargoes.

What is Pakistan's current oil and fuel stock position?

Petroleum Division officials told the committee that crude oil stocks stood at 515,000 metric tons, up from 436,000 tons on March 1.

Diesel stocks rose to 597,000 tons from 490,000 tons over the same period. The minister said commercial reserves are maintained through oil marketing companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

The minister also confirmed that oil companies are being audited through the Federal Investigation Agency and other agencies.

Senator Saifullah Abro questioned why fuel prices had been raised by PKR 55 per liter despite existing stocks. Malik replied that the increase was necessary to maintain stock levels and market liquidity.

Where does Pakistan import its crude oil from?

Petroleum Division officials told the committee that 47% of Pakistan's crude oil imports come from Saudi Arabia and 45% from the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan has been monitoring the evolving regional situation closely, with the prime minister and the field marshal holding meetings since the outbreak of the conflict. An inter-ministerial committee reviewed the situation on a daily basis, the minister said.

Malik added that Pakistan faced a greater challenge in the fertilizer sector than in oil supplies during the crisis. He also noted that Dubai crude never reached $270 per barrel, addressing concerns over international oil price levels raised during the committee session.