Hormuz Conflict Severely Disrupts Qatar LNG Shipments to Pakistan

Renewed military conflict between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz has severed liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan. The disruption, which escalated in March 2026, has created a 4,000-megawatt daily power shortfall in Pakistan, forcing hospitals to rely on backup generators and factories to cut shifts.

Pakistan LNG Limited issued an emergency tender on Thursday for a spot cargo to be delivered by July 15-16 after a scheduled shipment from Qatar was canceled. The government has already purchased two expensive spot market cargoes to prevent total domestic gas shortages. To address long-term vulnerability, Pakistan is attempting to diversify contracts, build strategic reserves, and accelerate renewable energy adoption, though discussions with TotalEnergies and U.S. suppliers have stalled.

In Qatar, QatarEnergy CEO Saad Al-Kaabi paused plans to increase production at the Ras Laffan complex after an Iranian attack disabled the tanker Al Rekayyat on Tuesday. The Ras Laffan facility has remained largely shut since March due to previous Iranian drone and missile strikes, with 17% of its capacity requiring three years of repairs. These disruptions have pushed Asian LNG spot prices more than 80% above pre-war levels as competition intensifies between Asia and Europe.