By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may face an LNG shortage after April 14, officials told a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum chaired by Senator Manzoor Ahmed. The briefing warned that liquefied natural gas supplies in the country could run out if additional cargoes are not secured.
Officials said two LNG cargoes per month had already been deferred for the current year, while LNG supply from Qatar has been completely suspended since March 2. They added that eight cargoes were expected in March but only two arrived, while six cargoes scheduled for April remain uncertain.
The meeting was informed that Sui Southern Gas Company has already reduced gas supply to a fertilizer plant by 50 percent due to the shortage. Gas supply to the power sector has also dropped from 300 MMCFD to 130 MMCFD, further increasing pressure on the energy system.
Authorities said priority would be given to domestic consumers, while the power sector’s demand may not be fully met in April. Officials added that alternative arrangements are being considered, including the possible purchase of LNG from an Azerbaijan-based company.
They warned that spot purchases could cost up to $24 per unit, compared with about $9 per unit from Qatar, which could lead to significantly more expensive electricity generation in the country.
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