Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to secure liquefied natural gas (LNG) for September continues, as its most recent tender closed without receiving a single bid. The tender, which aimed to secure one LNG cargo for delivery between September 12 and 16, marks the government’s third unsuccessful attempt for the month. Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) had set a September 8 deadline for international suppliers, but no offers were submitted.
This latest setback follows the cancellation of two earlier September tenders, which were scrapped because the submitted bids—priced around $26.97 and $26.71 per MMBtu—were considered too expensive. The difficulties in procurement are largely attributed to repeated interruptions in LNG supplies from Qatar.
Furthermore, severe disruptions in shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz have restricted regional availability, consequently driving up spot market prices. Despite these challenges, there is a minor positive development: for the first time since July, a Qatari LNG carrier has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, Al Marrouna, is currently en route to Pakistan’s Port Qasim and is projected to arrive as early as September 10.