Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR has said it is ready to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as soon as Islamabad submits a formal request, offering a potential alternative fuel source as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten existing LNG cargo flows.
In a statement, SOCAR said a framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited allows Pakistan to procure LNG cargoes directly under an accelerated procedure. The company said it is prepared to proceed once Pakistan LNG Limited submits an official request.
Pakistan seeks spot LNG amid supply risks
The offer comes as Pakistan rushes to secure spot LNG cargoes to manage a growing energy shortfall. The country remains heavily dependent on imported gas due to declining domestic production, while global LNG markets are facing renewed uncertainty amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Fresh pressure has emerged from disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping corridors. Officials in Pakistan’s Petroleum Division said imports of four LNG cargoes from Qatar were halted after Iran again closed the strait.
Qatar LNG shipments suspended
According to officials, Pakistan State Oil, which was arranging the four cargoes under two agreements with QatarEnergy, has informed the Petroleum Division that the shipments have been suspended until the security situation in the strait stabilizes.
Pakistan had earlier requested Qatar to release four cargoes from a pool of eight to ten LNG vessels that were reportedly loaded but stranded due to the conflict, with delivery expected once navigation through the strait resumed.
However, the route was closed again after Tehran concluded that the naval blockade had not fully ended.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said earlier this week that QatarEnergy currently had eight to ten loaded LNG vessels available, adding that Pakistan was attempting to secure as much short-term supply as possible to meet immediate energy needs.
Supply details yet unclear
SOCAR did not disclose whether Pakistan has already submitted a request, when a first delivery could take place, or whether the LNG cargoes would come from Azerbaijan’s own production or third-party volumes.
Energy analysts say Azerbaijan’s offer could provide Pakistan with greater supply flexibility at a time when geopolitical tensions are disrupting traditional LNG routes and increasing volatility in global energy markets.
