Islamabad, May 1, 2026: Pakistan’s energy sector received a major boost after nearly two months as the LNG carrier Seapeak Magellan docked at the Pakistan GasPort terminal and began injecting re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) into the national transmission network, an English daily reported on Friday.
The vessel, carrying around 140,000 cubic metres of LNG, berthed at the Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited terminal on Thursday morning. The cargo was arranged by TotalEnergies at a reported price of $18.40 per mmbtu and marks the first LNG shipment to arrive in the country since a US-origin cargo reached Pakistan several weeks ago.
According to officials, regasification operations started cautiously at 50 MMcf and continued at that level until 5pm. Following revised nominations, RLNG flow was increased to 250 MMcf at 6pm and later raised to 260 MMcf, taking into account the available LNG inventory.
Of the total RLNG injected into the system, 45 MMcf has been allocated to K-Electric, while the remaining supply is being fed into the network operated by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).
Officials described the arrival as timely relief for the power sector amid rising electricity demand due to increasing temperatures across the country. The Power Division confirmed that there was zero load management as of April 30, crediting the situation partly to the earlier diversion of 168 MMcf of local gas to power plants.
With RLNG now entering the system, authorities expect further improvement in power supply stability in the coming days.
Despite the positive development, concerns over future supply persist. Government sources said efforts are under way to arrange another LNG cargo for delivery between May 10 and 12. Authorities are still deciding whether the procurement will be carried out through open bidding or via Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR).
Meanwhile, Islamabad is also trying to secure four LNG cargoes from Qatar reportedly stranded due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The matter has reached the highest levels of decision-making, including deliberations at the National Crisis Management Committee.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has also held discussions with the Iranian ambassador, reportedly to explore possible solutions for ensuring the safe passage of the cargoes.
Officials said the recent successful transit of a diesel shipment through the Strait has raised hopes that the stranded LNG consignments could soon be cleared, significantly strengthening Pakistan’s energy security in the weeks ahead.
