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Pakistan may face a major gas shortage after April 14 as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Qatar have been disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, officials informed the Senate’s Petroleum Committee during a briefing. During the meeting, the Director General of LNG told lawmakers that gas shipments from Qatar have been completely suspended due to the regional conflict, forcing authorities in Pakistan to increase reliance on domestic gas production. Officials revealed that only two out of eight LNG cargoes scheduled for March have reached the country, while the remaining six shipments could not arrive because of the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region. The situation is expected to continue in April, where three out of six planned LNG cargoes may also fail to reach Pakistan. To manage the potential shortage, authorities have prepared an emergency gas supply plan for March 2026. Under the proposed strategy, system gas supply will be reduced from 655 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 642 MMCFD, while RLNG supply will slightly increase from 28 to 30 MMCFD. As a result, overall gas availability is expected to fall from 683 to 672 MMCFD. The government is also revising gas allocations across different sectors. Domestic consumers are expected to receive higher allocations, increasing from 399 to 420 MMCFD. However, gas supply for the commercial sector may decline from 10 to 8 MMCFD, while allocations for process industries could drop from 140 to 120 MMCFD. Meanwhile, the power sector is expected to receive a slight increase in supply from 18 to 20 MMCFD, while fertilizer plants may see allocations rise marginally from 29 to 30 MMCFD. Gas supply to captive power plants will likely be reduced from 82 to 70 MMCFD as part of the conservation measures. Officials also informed the committee that alternative LNG supplies could potentially be arranged through an Azerbaijani company, but the cost of such imports may be nearly three times higher than current LNG purchases. Authorities emphasized that controlling domestic gas consumption and securing alternative supply agreements will be crucial for Pakistan to avoid a severe energy crisis in the coming months.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply may run out after April 14 as Qatar has halted natural gas production amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, officials told the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday. The committee, which met under the chairmanship of Senator Manzoor Ahmed, was informed by the Director General LNG that gas supply from Qatar has been completely suspended, raising concerns over Pakistan’s LNG availability in the coming weeks. The war in the Middle East threatens shipments from Qatar, the world’s No. 2 producer after the U.S., which supplies most of Pakistan’s imported LNG, used to fuel power plants during peak electricity demand. Officials said Pakistan had planned to receive eight LNG cargoes in March, but only two arrived before the conflict began, while the remaining six shipments could not reach the country. For April, three out of six scheduled LNG cargoes are also expected to be delayed. The committee was told that if the current situation persists, Pakistan may face a shortage of LNG after April 14. To manage the crisis, authorities have increased domestic gas production, while emergency supply planning has also been initiated. Under the proposed plan, system gas supply may be reduced from 655 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 642 MMCFD, while RLNG supply could be increased from 28 to 30 MMCFD. Overall, gas supply is expected to decline from 683 MMCFD to around 672 MMCFD. The LNG officials said gas consumption for domestic users is expected to increase from 399 to 420 MMCFD, while supply to the commercial sector may be reduced from 10 to 8 MMCFD. Gas allocation for process industries may be cut from 140 to 120 MMCFD, and for captive power plants from 82 to 70 MMCFD. Meanwhile, gas supply to the power sector may increase from 18 to 20 MMCFD, while fertilizer plants could receive slightly higher supply, increasing from 29 to 30 MMCFD. Officials also told the committee that Pakistan has an agreement with a company in Azerbaijan for LNG supply if demand increases, but that would be nearly three times more expensive. The disruption follows the decision by QatarEnergy, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, to halt production at its 77 million tons per annum facility and declare force majeure on LNG shipments due to the regional conflict. Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times last week that it would take “weeks to months” for deliveries to return to normal even if the conflict ended immediately. Qatar is a pivotal ​supplier rather than a marginal one.

refineries had been advised to maximise furnace oil production. On energy conservation, the minister suggested that during Ramazan, supplying gas only for Sehri and Iftar and reducing pressure at other times could save 30–40 mmcfd. He noted that two RLNG parcels had arrived, ensuring no issues until March. After that, greater curtailment might be necessary, including closing containers or bringing alternative cargo from outside the Strait of Hormuz. The minister also warned of rising electricity and gas prices and potential load shedding in the coming days. “Apart from the Strait of Hormuz, bringing cargo will be a challenge. Current parcels are 10–12 mmbtu, but Bangladesh and India are buying from outside the strait at $23–24 per mmbtu, which would make electricity 70–80 rupees per unit. It may be better to reduce demand through conservation and limited load shedding,” he said, adding that gas reserves must be used carefully. Regarding diesel and petrol reserves, Malik said the oil situation was somewhat reassuring because, unlike gas, stockpiles could be built. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally ensured that reserves were built for 28–30 days. “Today we have comfortable stocks,” he said. Malik also announced strict action against profiteers and hoarders, warning that petrol pumps and their owners causing public inconvenience through hoarding would face action. “We met with chief secretaries and instructed them to seal pumps or confiscate products if anyone tries to hoard or profiteer,” he said. Given the uncertain situation, the minister stressed demand curtailment, saying that decisions would be made after the prime minister reviewed all programmes. He added that the government might consider measures similar to those adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as encouraging work-from-home arrangements and discouraging physical meetings or intercity travel. "These are not new measures; the system was put in place three to four years ago during the COVID period. A decision on these matters will be announced very soon," Malik said. On rationing, Malik suggested immediate increases in petrol and diesel prices to give private sector importers confidence that costs would be recovered. “Given the market situation, my advice is to implement this immediately so people can conserve and act responsibly,” he said. He added that once prices decreased and the situation normalised, prices should be lowered at the same pace they increased to restore people’s income and purchasing power.

ISLAMABAD: Amid speculation about potential fuel shortages in the market due to tensions in the Middle East, the Federal Government on Thursday appointed a Grade 22 officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service as the new Secretary of the Petroleum Division. The appointment takes effect immediately. Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, presently posted, as the Secretary of the National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Division, is transferred and posted as Secretary Petroleum Division. In another move, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has assured the public that the country currently holds sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet national demand and there is no need for panic buying or hoarding. In view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, authorities are closely monitoring the petroleum supply chain to ensure the uninterrupted availability of products across the country. The existing stock position remains comfortable and well within the prescribed requirements. READ MORE: Senate panel told: POL products’ prices may go up It has been emphasized that strict action will be taken against any individual or entity found involved in illegal hoarding or storage of petroleum products at unauthorized locations, particularly at places other than duly licensed oil depots and retail outlets of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Reports have indicated that certain elements may attempt to hoard petroleum products for profiteering during such circumstances. To curb such practices, all Provincial Chief Secretaries have been requested to direct the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to carry out inspections within their respective jurisdictions. Any premises found to be involved in the illegal storage of petroleum products will be sealed, and action will be taken in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, teams of Ogra are actively monitoring the situation in the field. Inspections are being conducted at oil depots and retail outlets to ensure a smooth supply of petroleum products and to prevent any malpractice. Meanwhile, the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) has also written a letter to the Ogra chairman, conveying the body’s concern regarding the product supply commitments made by local refineries during the last product review meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ali Pervaiz Malik has approached Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari for provision of data of captive consumers across the country who shifted to grid from gas, well-informed sources in Petroleum Division told Business Recorder. According to the Petroleum Minister, to prepare case/recommendations for International Monetary Fund on captive levy, Petroleum Division’s team had requested for power uptake data for captive users nudged to the grid via levy. The data from February, 2025 is still awaited. Petroleum Minister has requested Power Minister for all customer–wise data sharing to finalize the paperwork. READ MORE: Govt slaps Rs1,243/mmbtu new levy on off-grid captive power plants Earlier, a letter to Petroleum Division referred to the reconciliation exercise previously undertaken by Sui Companies with Power Distribution Companies and K-Electric regarding the use of gas/RLNG vis-a-vis the sanctioned power load of each captive power plant wherein it was revealed that the majority of CPPs had grid connectivity and the requisite sanctioned load. In order to validate the transition of gas/RLNG-based CPPS, Power Division had been requested to provide detailed data regarding the utilization of sanctioned and/or newly approved load of each CPP with the respective Distribution Companies and K-Electric, along with the corresponding incremental sales revenue to this division at the earliest. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik said on Tuesday that the government is fully aware of the current Middle East situation and its implications. “We’re taking measures to address the situation,” he said while speaking on Aaj News programme ‘News Insight with Aamir Zia’. Ali Pervez Malik emphasised that the duration of the conflict is uncertain, and Pakistan will need assistance from its allies to cope with additional economic pressures. He highlighted government efforts to navigate the challenges posed by regional tensions. The federal minister’s comments come as tensions escalate in the Middle East following US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, with concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies and regional stability. Malik noted many countries are now part of the Middle East conflict, and it’s unclear how long the situation will last. Therefore, as a responsible government, we must prepare for all scenarios within our financial means, whether it’s external accounts, energy stockpiles, or savings. We should operationalise every element. The federal minister also appealed to Pakistanis to conserve fuel, including petrol, and remain vigilant. “The energy market situation is also concerning,” he maintained. While mentioning that the government has made arrangements and there’s sufficient petrol and diesel stock in the country, the minister warned that rising energy prices could increase inflation in Pakistan. “Pakistan imports LNG from Qatar Energy, and now that the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, Qatar has suspended production. Our LPG imports from Iran may also be affected,” he said. “We need to be cautious,” Malik urged, emphasizing preparedness for potential challenges ahead.

Pakistan’s largest gas distributor was set to cut supplies to some of its industrial customers, suggesting growing strain in one of the economies most dependent on energy exports from Qatar, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the conflict in the Middle East has caused the most extensive disruption to the global energy trade since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, blocking the Strait of Hormuz and shuttering giant energy facilities including Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas export plant. This happened after Israel and the US carried out attacks on Iran, followed by Tehran launching retaliatory strikes on regional bases. The situation led to disruption at the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it so important for oil? The strait lies between Oman and Iran and links the Gulf north of it with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, with the shipping lane just 2 miles (3 km) wide in either direction. During the last energy crunch four years ago, Pakistan suffered acutely from an economic crisis and was unable to afford sky-high prices and the country was forced to grapple with hours of daily blackouts, according to the report. In the short-term, the current crisis comes with an unexpected silver lining for an economy under pressure — it could help the country avoid expensive purchase agreements with Qatar which it no longer needs. Samiullah Tariq, head of research at Pakistan Kuwait Investment, said shifting to cheaper alternatives like imported coal “could be a blessing in disguise”, the report said. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, in a notice to the customers, said it could not provide regasified LNG to fertiliser plants from midnight Wednesday, having been notified of disruptions from its own supplier, Pakistan State Oil, just five days into confrontations in the Persian Gulf. “That suggests even lengthier disruptions would almost certainly prove both painful and costly.” The situation “could be serious” if five or more shipments of LNG were affected, Masanori Odaka, analyst at Rystad Energy, was quoted as saying in the report. “Current spot prices are well beyond what Pakistan is likely willing to pay,” he said. “So I will say the alternatives to sourcing LNG cargoes are limited.” A history of deferment and payment difficulties would also put Pakistan at a disadvantage.” For the month of March, according to Bloomberg, the country has received two cargoes, making it likely any gap can be filled with domestic production and coal imports. In April and May, however, the shortfall could extend from around half or one LNG shipment to two or three, according to Evan Tan, LNG analyst from commodities research group ICIS — too much to fill with domestic fixes. Meanhwile, Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to route oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipping, the petroleum ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik raised the issue in a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, according to a ministry statement. The minister said most of Pakistan’s energy imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the government was monitoring the situation closely to ensure the continuity of supplies.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s state natural gas producer OGDCL is preparing to raise output for the first time in recent years as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East choked supply, its managing director said. High electricity tariffs and rapid rooftop solar adoption have reduced demand for natural gas in recent years, forcing Pakistan to renegotiate long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contracts with Qatar and domestic producers to cut output. On Monday, Qatar halted LNG production after Iran targeted the country following the U.S.-Israeli strikes over the weekend. Here are the new developments: OGDCL aims to raise natural gas output by 5% to 865 million cubic feet per day. OGDCL strikes major oil & gas discovery in Kohat The company also plans to boost crude oil production by 14% to 40,000 barrels per day, as the conflict has disrupted shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. OGDCL’s Managing Director, Ahmed Lak, emphasised potential further increases with new discoveries. “This potential can be fully monetised subject to offtake by the buyers,” Lak said. Pakistan is exploring the option of reducing LNG terminal regasification due to undelivered Qatari cargoes, industry sources said. The move could relieve pressure on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, sources added.