Pakistan is planning to procure up to 26 LNG cargoes from November through February to meet higher gas demand during the winter season, according to sources.
The cargoes will be sourced through long-term arrangements with Qatar and other friendly countries, along with purchases from the spot market.
Sources said the government is targeting spot LNG prices of around $26 to $27 per MMBtu.
The government also plans to change the regulatory framework for LNG terminals to improve the use of available capacity.
Under the proposed changes, private power producers could be allowed to import LNG directly. Third-party access may also be introduced to allow other users to utilize unused capacity at LNG terminals.
The Petroleum Division is preparing a summary of the proposed measures for the Cabinet Committee on Energy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already been briefed on the proposed gas load management plan. The final plan will be presented to the federal cabinet for approval.
During the previous winter, Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited imported 36 LNG cargoes, according to sources.
The proposed measures are aimed at securing sufficient gas supplies during the winter and making better use of existing LNG terminal capacity.
