Pakistan’s gas supply chain has suffered another setback after Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) declared force majeure on the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), citing continuing disruptions linked to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move is expected to affect RLNG supplies to Punjab for nearly three weeks and could raise the risk of power shortages and higher electricity generation costs, Dawn reported.

According to SNGPL, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) informed the company that force majeure declared by its LNG supplier remains in effect because of the ongoing military conflict in the Gulf region. The disruption is likely to affect LNG cargo deliveries scheduled between July 14 and Aug. 3, limiting RLNG availability for power generation.

The utility issued separate notices to four RLNG-based power plants in Punjab, saying its contractual obligations remain suspended because the disruption is beyond its control. It said QatarEnergy has begun gradually resuming operations, but shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains intermittent due to security risks.

SNGPL said QatarEnergy has also indicated it will not be able to deliver additional LNG cargoes planned under the Annual Delivery Plan 2026 during the affected period. A revised delivery schedule is expected once operational conditions improve.

The supply disruption could affect more than 5,000 megawatts of RLNG-based power generation in Punjab and also limit electricity transmission from Sindh to northern load centres. Officials said authorities may have to rely on imported LNG from the more expensive spot market or run power plants on diesel to cover the shortfall, both of which would push generation costs higher.

Government officials said existing LNG stocks may help soften the immediate impact through rationing, but warned that consumers could still face increased load-shedding or higher electricity bills if the disruption continues beyond Aug. 3.