The cost of generating electricity from regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) in Pakistan surged to a record Rs. 47.4 per unit in July 2026, as the country turned to expensive spot LNG cargoes following disruptions to contracted supplies from Qatar.
According to Topline Securities data based on figures from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), RLNG-based power generation costs jumped 242% from below Rs. 14 per unit in April to Rs. 47.4 per unit in July.
RLNG generation costs had generally remained between Rs. 20 and Rs. 26 per unit since 2022, making the latest increase a sharp departure from the previous trend.
The surge followed Pakistan LNG Limited’s procurement of five spot LNG cargoes for July delivery after QatarEnergy disrupted contracted LNG supplies.
Pakistan’s dependence on the international spot market increased after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on its LNG supply obligations in March amid regional security disruptions. The force majeure was later extended through August, forcing Pakistan to arrange replacement LNG cargoes from the international market at significantly higher prices.
The higher LNG procurement costs have consequently pushed up the cost of electricity generated from RLNG, adding further pressure to Pakistan’s already expensive power generation mix.
