Islamabad (TDI): Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR has said it is ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as soon as it receives a formal request from Islamabad, according to Reuters, as Pakistan faces mounting energy shortages linked to disruptions in global supply chains.
SOCAR said a framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) enables Pakistan to purchase LNG cargoes directly through an accelerated mechanism. However, the company did not confirm whether any request has yet been submitted or when deliveries could begin.
“SOCAR is ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits a corresponding request,” the company said in its response. Pakistan, which depends heavily on imported LNG to meet domestic energy demand, is facing renewed pressure on supplies following disruptions in the global energy market triggered by the ongoing US–Iran conflict and instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Authorities earlier confirmed that imports of four LNG cargoes from Qatar have been halted after renewed closure of the strategic waterway, which has become a flashpoint in the wider Middle East crisis.
Pakistan State Oil (PSO), which manages LNG procurement, has reportedly informed the Petroleum Division that shipments under two agreements with QatarEnergy have been suspended until maritime conditions stabilise.
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Pakistan had earlier sought emergency LNG cargoes from QatarEnergy to offset shortages, particularly after multiple vessels carrying pre-allocated cargoes were left stranded due to disruptions in Hormuz.
QatarEnergy declared force majeure in March following an attack on one of its LNG facilities, further complicating Pakistan’s import plans. Since then, the country has struggled to maintain stable gas supplies, with officials estimating a shortfall of around 400 million cubic feet per day needed for power generation.
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Federal officials have said Pakistan is attempting to secure additional cargoes from available LNG stocks while also preparing for a return to regular supply schedules once regional conditions improve.
Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has indicated that Pakistan is in contact with QatarEnergy and exploring all available options to bridge the immediate gap in energy supply.
