Pakistan Diverts 6 More LNG Cargoes to Global Market, Total Reaches 11 Amid High Gas Pressure Concerns

ISLAMABAD:In a significant development, the Government of Pakistan has successfully diverted six additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes originally contracted from Italian energy firm ENI to the international spot market. This move brings the total number of diverted LNG shipments to 11, including five previously redirected cargoes.

According to official sources from the Petroleum Division, these cargoes were scheduled for delivery between July and December 2025 under a long-term 15-year agreement between Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) and ENI, which mandates the delivery of one cargo per month.

Furthermore, the government has also postponed the import of five LNG cargoes from Qatar, which were originally planned for 2025. A spokesperson for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) confirmed the redirection of the cargoes, noting that the move aligns with the government’s broader energy management strategy.

Despite these efforts, there has been no significant reduction in line pack pressure, which remains above 5 billion cubic feet (BCF)—a level considered dangerously high for the national gas transmission network. This sustained pressure poses operational risks and raises concerns about infrastructure safety and demand-supply imbalance.

The decision to reroute and delay cargoes is seen as a tactical approach to manage surplus gas, optimize storage capacity, and potentially capitalize on higher international LNG prices. However, continued high pressure in the system highlights the need for more robust demand management and infrastructure planning.