Pakistan and Qatar have reached an understanding to divert 24 LNG cargoes scheduled for 2026, a decision the government says will help the country save more than Rs1,000 billion.
Officials explained that Pakistan’s current gas demand has dropped, making it unnecessary to bring in these shipments at a time when the country is reshaping its overall energy policy.
Under the new arrangement, Qatar will be free to sell these LNG cargoes to other international buyers. Pakistan, on the other hand, will avoid the heavy cost of subsidies that would have been required to supply gas at discounted rates to lifeline consumers.
According to energy authorities, this step will ease pressure on the national budget and reduce the financial burden on the gas sector.
Government officials say the reforms taking place in the energy market are already slowing down the growth of circular debt. They believe that by cutting unnecessary imports and improving financial discipline, Pakistan is sending a positive message to investors who have been concerned about the sector’s stability.
Experts also point out that reducing reliance on imported LNG could encourage more activity in domestic gas exploration. Local exploration companies may receive greater attention and investment as the government focuses on long-term energy independence.
At the same time, Pakistan is strengthening cooperation with countries such as Turkiye and Azerbaijan. New technical projects, joint ventures and knowledge-sharing initiatives are being discussed to improve the country’s gas infrastructure and diversify its energy partnerships.
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