The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum was informed that Pakistan’s gas supply situation has come under pressure after liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Qatar were disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
During a briefing to the committee, the Director General of LNG said the war in the region has led to a complete suspension of LNG deliveries from Qatar, forcing authorities to rely more heavily on domestic production to meet demand. Despite these efforts, current supply levels remain insufficient to fully meet the needs of the power sector.
Officials told lawmakers that only two of the eight LNG cargoes scheduled for March have arrived, as the remaining six shipments were unable to reach Pakistan because of the regional conflict. Another shortfall is expected in April, with only three of the six planned cargoes likely to arrive.
Authorities warned that if alternative arrangements are not secured, the country could face a serious gas shortage after April 14.
To manage the expected supply gap, the government has prepared emergency measures for March 2026, including adjustments in gas distribution between domestic production and imported LNG.
Under the revised plan, system gas supply will be reduced from 655 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 642 MMCFD, while RLNG supply will increase slightly from 28 to 30 MMCFD. Overall gas availability is projected to decline from 683 to 672 MMCFD.
Allocations for various sectors will also change. Gas supply for domestic consumers is expected to increase from 399 to 420 MMCFD, while commercial sector allocation will fall from 10 to 8 MMCFD. Process industries will receive less gas, with supply reduced from 140 to 120 MMCFD. Meanwhile, the power sector’s allocation will rise from 18 to 20 MMCFD, and fertilizer plants will see a marginal increase from 29 to 30 MMCFD. Gas supply for captive power plants will decline from 82 to 70 MMCFD.
Officials also informed the committee that Pakistan could explore LNG procurement from an Azerbaijani supplier if demand rises further, although such supplies may cost up to three times the current price.
The briefing emphasized the need for strict demand management and urgent supply arrangements to prevent a major energy shortfall in the coming weeks.
