Pakistan cancels spot LNG tender as first Qatari cargo in two months set to arrive

Pakistan LNG Limited cancelled a spot LNG cargo tender on May 11, days after floating bids for two spot cargoes for May delivery.

The cancellation came as Pakistan prepares to receive its first Qatari LNG shipment in nearly two months, with the Al Kharaitiyat vessel expected to berth at Port Qasim this week.

Why did Pakistan cancel its latest LNG spot tender?

Pakistan cancelled the tender in anticipation of the first Qatari LNG cargo arriving within days, ending a supply pause that began when Qatar declared force majeure in March 2026.

Iran reportedly approved the shipment under a government-to-government deal, allowing the vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan normally imports nine to ten LNG cargoes per month from Qatar under long-term contracts.

What were the details of Pakistan's spot LNG tender before cancellation?

PLL had issued a tender on May 9 for two spot cargoes of 140,000 cubic meters each, with a tolerance of plus or minus 2% per cargo.

The first cargo was planned for delivery in the May 12-16 window and the second for May 24-28. The tender was Pakistan's third spot cargo request since April, as contracted Qatari supplies remained stuck near the Strait of Hormuz.

How much does spot LNG cost Pakistan compared to Qatari contracted supply?

Spot LNG costs Pakistan around 45% more than the amount paid under long-term contracts with Qatar.

The cost differential has made resuming Qatari supply a priority for the government. Pakistan has two long-term contracts with Qatar covering up to 6.75 million tonnes per annum, which account for the bulk of the country's LNG imports.