Pakistan LNG Cargoes Sought for December and January
Pakistan LNG cargoes for the winter months are back on the market, with Pakistan LNG Limited inviting international suppliers to bid for two shipments due in December 2026 and January 2027.
The state-owned company issued the tender notice on Thursday as the country prepares for higher gas demand in winter. Delivery is sought on a Delivered Ex Ship basis at Port Qasim in Karachi.
The first shipment is scheduled for December 14 to 16, while the second is expected between January 9 and 11, 2027. Pakistan LNG Limited, which is owned by the federal government, is responsible for buying LNG to meet the country’s gas needs.
Prices rejected last time set the benchmark
The latest tender comes days after Pakistan LNG Limited declined two spot LNG cargo offers for December 2026 and January 2027. Pakistan turned down the expensive offers after suppliers quoted prices the company judged too high.
For the December delivery window, TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited quoted $27.30 per million British thermal units, while QatarEnergy Trading LLC offered $31 per million British thermal units. TotalEnergies was declared the lowest evaluated bidder.
For the January 2027 shipment, TotalEnergies quoted Rs24.28 billion in total, equal to $27.10 per million British thermal units, and again emerged as the lowest evaluated bidder. The company declined both offers and has now gone back to the market with a fresh tender.
The prices underline how costly spot LNG has become. At more than $27 per million British thermal units, a single cargo costs far more than gas bought under long-term contracts, which is why Pakistan has been pressing for cheaper supplies.
Pakistan LNG cargoes: Qatar supplies and Hormuz risks
Pakistan has also stepped up efforts to secure discounted LNG from Qatar under existing long-term contracts. The push comes amid concern over winter demand and possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that carries a large share of the world’s LNG and oil.
Higher oil prices have already followed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and any blockage or delay there would hit LNG shipments to Pakistan as well. That risk makes winter planning harder, since the country needs firm supply when household heating demand rises and the power sector leans more on gas.
Gas pressure already runs low in winter in many Pakistani cities, and the gas utilities have sought higher prices to cover their costs. The two cargoes in the new tender would add to domestic supply at the coldest point of the year, alongside pipeline gas and new domestic finds such as the Bitrisim discovery in Sindh.
The new tender, numbered PLL/IMP/LNGT81, seeks two cargoes of about 140,000 cubic metres each, with a tolerance of plus or minus 5 per cent. Suppliers must submit electronic bids by 2:00pm on November 18, with the bids to be opened half an hour later. At current spot prices, each cargo is estimated to cost around $100 million.
Whether the new tender draws lower bids will show in the coming days. Suppliers will weigh the same high prices that sank the last round against the chance of winning a firm order from a buyer that needs the gas.
Frequently asked questions
How many LNG cargoes is Pakistan seeking?
Two cargoes, one for delivery on December 14 to 16, 2026, and one for January 9 to 11, 2027.
Where will the cargoes be delivered?
At Port Qasim in Karachi, on a Delivered Ex Ship basis, which means the supplier handles shipping to the port.
Why did Pakistan decline the last offers?
Pakistan LNG Limited judged the quoted prices too high. TotalEnergies offered $27.30 per million British thermal units for December and $27.10 for January, while QatarEnergy Trading asked $31 for December.
Why does Pakistan need extra LNG in winter?
Household heating demand rises in winter, the power sector uses more gas, and the country is also watching disruption risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
