Azerbaijan offers LNG supply to Pakistan as Hormuz disruption halts Qatar cargoes

Azerbaijan’s state energy firm Socar has said it is ready to supply liquefied natural gas to Pakistan as the country seeks to address shortages following disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict and renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Socar said a framework agreement signed in 2025 between Socar Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited allows Islamabad to procure LNG cargoes under an accelerated process. The company said it can provide supplies as soon as Pakistan LNG Limited submits a request.

The development comes as Pakistan looks for spot cargoes after LNG imports from QatarEnergy were halted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities said four cargoes arranged through Pakistan State Oil have been suspended until the situation stabilises.

Pakistan had earlier requested Qatar to allocate four cargoes from a group of 8 to 10 vessels that were already loaded but stranded due to the conflict. However, shipments have been delayed after Iran again restricted traffic through the strait.

Officials said Pakistan relies heavily on imported gas and remains exposed to fluctuations in global LNG markets as well as supply disruptions. Domestic production constraints have added to the pressure on energy supplies.

The petroleum minister had said QatarEnergy currently has multiple loaded cargoes available and Pakistan is attempting to secure as much volume as possible in the short term. He added that regular import schedules are expected to resume once force majeure conditions are lifted.

QatarEnergy had declared force majeure on March 4 following an attack on an LNG facility, which disrupted shipments. Since then, Pakistan has faced a gap in imported gas supply.

The Power Division requires around 400mmcfd of gas for electricity generation to meet demand and reduce loadshedding, highlighting the urgency of securing alternative LNG sources.