Pakistan Begins Winter LNG Procurement With Tender for Two Cargoes

Pakistan has begun securing liquefied natural gas supplies for the winter season, with state-owned Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) inviting international suppliers to bid for two spot cargoes scheduled for delivery in December 2026 and January 2027. The move comes as seasonal heating demand is expected to rise and global spot prices hover near their highest levels since 2022.

According to the tender notice, both shipments will be delivered on a Delivered Ex-Ship basis at Port Qasim in Karachi. The first cargo is scheduled to arrive between December 14 and 16, 2026, while the second is expected between January 9 and 11, 2027. Each cargo will carry 140,000 cubic meters of LNG, with a tolerance of plus or minus five percent.

At current market rates, each shipment is estimated to cost around $100 million, putting the total outlay for the two cargoes at roughly $200 million. The final cost will depend on the prices offered by bidders and the terms agreed under the procurement, as the tender notice specifies quantities and delivery windows but does not disclose a purchase price.

The procurement underscores the government's effort to shore up gas supplies ahead of the winter months, when household heating demand typically climbs and pressure on the national gas network intensifies. PLL, which is responsible for importing LNG to meet the country's requirements, has invited bids from reputed international suppliers under tender number PLL/IMP/LNGT80.

The timing reflects the challenge of buying in a tight market, where spot prices are approaching levels not seen in roughly four years. How much Pakistan ultimately pays will hinge on the response from suppliers and the competitiveness of the bids received.

The tender marks an early step in the country's winter energy planning, with the outcome likely to shape both supply availability and the import bill during the peak demand period.