Islamabad (TDI): After nearly two months of disruption, Pakistan’s energy sector has received relief as the LNG carrier Seapeak Magellan docked at the Pakistan GasPort terminal and began supplying re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) to the national grid.
According to The News, the vessel carrying around 140,000 cubic metres of LNG berthed at the Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited terminal on Thursday morning. The shipment, arranged by TotalEnergies at a price of $18.40 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), is the first LNG cargo to reach Pakistan after several weeks.
Regasification initially began at a controlled rate of 50 MMcf before being gradually increased to 250 MMcf and later 260 MMcf per day, depending on system requirements and available inventory. Of the supplied volume, 45 MMcf has been allocated to K-Electric, while the remaining gas is being injected into the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited network.
Officials say the arrival comes at a crucial time, providing temporary relief to the power sector. The Power Division confirmed that there is currently no load management as of April 30, attributing stability partly to earlier adjustments in gas allocation to power plants.
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However, energy supply challenges remain. Government sources say efforts are underway to secure another LNG cargo expected between May 10 and 12, with procurement options still under consideration, including open bidding and a possible arrangement with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), the paper added.
At the same time, Pakistan is working to secure four LNG shipments from Qatar that have been delayed due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The issue has been discussed at high-level forums, including the National Crisis Management Committee.
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Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has also held discussions with the Iranian ambassador as part of efforts to ensure safe passage for energy cargoes.
Despite the challenges, recent transit of a diesel shipment through the Strait has raised cautious optimism that blocked cargoes may soon be cleared, potentially improving Pakistan’s energy security in the coming weeks.
