Pakistan accelerates energy push after LNG risk

Pakistan warned of LNG supply vulnerability after a report said Qatar and the UAE supply about 99 percent of its imports, prompting calls to speed energy diversification.

Qatar and UAE concentration

Data showed Qatar and the United Arab Emirates account for roughly 99 percent of Pakistan's LNG imports, which the report said provide around 30 percent of the country's gas used for power generation, fertiliser production and industry.

The report recommended faster deployment of utility-scale solar and wind, wider rooftop solar rollouts and greater investment in battery and long-duration storage to reduce reliance on imports, the report said. It also urged long-term investments in gas storage, flexible generation and larger operating reserves to help the grid absorb shocks from supply interruptions.

The document said tensions in the Middle East since February and pressure on the Strait of Hormuz have reshaped trade flows and exposed supply chains to concentrated supplier risk. The report warned fuel-price swings and shipping uncertainty could materially raise electricity-generation costs if LNG shipments are disrupted.

Officials said the findings should prompt near-term policy changes. The report called for accelerated procurement and infrastructure plans to be adopted by December 31, 2026, to lower the risk of shortages in the next high-demand season.