Pakistan’s electricity situation could improve significantly if Qatar provides LNG cargoes on a priority basis, Minister of State for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said while speaking to a private television channel on Saturday.

The minister said Islamabad has approached Qatar requesting the early delivery of four LNG shipments to help stabilize power generation amid ongoing regional tensions affecting energy supplies. He explained that timely arrival of these cargoes would ease pressure on the electricity system and help improve overall power availability across the country.

Malik noted that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, with conflicting reports about the waterway’s operational status due to continued security concerns and naval activity. He said the rapidly changing regional environment has complicated fuel logistics and insurance arrangements for LNG vessels, delaying final confirmation of shipments.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan is maintaining close coordination with Qatar under a long-standing energy partnership. According to the minister, Qatar has shown willingness to support Pakistan, though the movement of LNG cargoes depends on risk assessments by insurers, shipping operators and security authorities.

He added that recent improvements in electricity supply were largely driven by increased hydel power generation following rainfall, which allowed authorities to reduce water releases and boost production from around 2,000 megawatts to nearly 3,000 megawatts.

To manage disruptions in LNG supply, the government has temporarily relied on more expensive furnace oil-based generation to keep the power system running. Malik said efforts are underway, in consultation with the Power Division and international partners, to secure relatively cheaper fuel options to minimize financial pressure on consumers.

The minister also said domestic gas demand has declined with rising temperatures, enabling additional gas injections from local fields into the national system. Supplies are being distributed among power plants, industrial consumers and essential sectors, including fertilizer production, to maintain economic activity while managing energy shortages.

He emphasized that if the requested LNG cargoes arrive from Qatar, Pakistan’s electricity generation capacity would strengthen considerably, offering relief to consumers facing power supply challenges.