Pakistan Receives First LNG Cargo of October as Winter Gas Shortage Concerns Grow

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan has received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo of October from Qatar, but concerns are mounting over the availability of gas during the winter of 2026–27.

The LNG vessel *Al Areesh* arrived at Engro’s LNG terminal at 11:05 a.m. on Tuesday, carrying a much-needed shipment from Qatar. The regasification process began at noon, allowing the imported LNG to be converted back into natural gas.

Pakistan is expected to require 24 LNG cargoes to meet its gas demand during the winter season of 2026–27.

According to estimates, gas demand from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is projected to increase from the current 550 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 1,550 mmcfd during winter.

Similarly, demand from Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) could rise from the current 300 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd.

The widening gap between rising demand and limited gas supplies has raised concerns that several sectors may face disruptions during the winter months.

Export-oriented industries, non-export industries, compressed natural gas (CNG) stations and the cement sector could face gas shortages if adequate supplies are not available.

The situation highlights the challenge of securing sufficient LNG supplies to meet Pakistan’s seasonal energy requirements and maintain gas availability for domestic and industrial consumers.

Add the source location and dateTighten repeated LNG details