Pakistan Invites Bids for Two LNG Cargoes to Meet Winter Demand

Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has invited international suppliers to submit bids for two liquefied natural gas cargoes due for delivery in December 2026 and January 2027, as the country prepares for higher gas consumption during the winter months.

According to a tender notice issued on Thursday, the state-owned importer is seeking delivery on a Delivered Ex Ship basis at Port Qasim in Karachi. The first cargo is scheduled to arrive between December 14 and 16, while the second is expected between January 9 and 11, 2027. PLL, which is owned by the federal government, handles LNG procurement to meet the country's gas requirements.

The fresh tender follows a decision by PLL to decline two spot cargo offers for the same delivery windows. For the December window, TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited quoted $27.30 per million British thermal units, while Qatar Energy Trading LLC offered $31 per MMBtu. TotalEnergies was declared the lowest evaluated bidder. For the January 2027 shipment, TotalEnergies quoted approximately $27.10 per MMBtu and again emerged as the lowest bidder.

Pakistan has also stepped up efforts to secure discounted LNG supplies from Qatar under existing long-term contracts, amid concerns over winter demand and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that could affect global energy supply chains.

The tender reflects the government's ongoing effort to manage fuel supply and pricing as colder weather raises demand for gas used in power generation, heating and industry. The outcome of the bidding process will be closely watched by energy market participants and consumers alike.

PLL regularly issues tenders for spot cargoes to supplement long-term supply arrangements, and the latest move signals continued reliance on international markets to bridge seasonal demand gaps.