Pakistan has increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices by up to 28 per cent for May 2026, according to an official notification issued on Thursday, adding further pressure on consumers amid rising energy costs.
Under the revised rates, LNG prices for the Sui Northern system have been raised by $3.43 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), while prices for the Sui Southern system have gone up by $3.51 per MMBtu.
Following the increase, consumers connected to Sui Northern will now pay $16.98 per MMBtu, whereas Sui Southern consumers will be charged $16.04 per MMBtu during the current billing cycle.
Officials said the increase reflects fluctuations in international LNG markets and higher import-related costs. The revised prices will apply across both gas distribution systems nationwide.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recently received two LNG cargos from Qatar within a week as the country continues efforts to tackle its gas shortfall.
According to details, LNG carrier MV Al Kharaitiyat arrived at Port Qasim carrying more than 95,000 tons of Qatari LNG, while another tanker, Mihzem, delivered 56,573 metric tons of LNG cargo.
Sources familiar with the matter said the LNG shipments are part of a government-to-government agreement between Pakistan and Qatar. Two additional Qatari LNG tankers are also expected to arrive in Pakistan in the coming days.
Pakistan has also reportedly held discussions with Iran regarding the safe passage of LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure uninterrupted supplies as the country faces growing energy demands.
Qatar remains one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, with the majority of its shipments supplied to Asian markets, including Pakistan.
It is worth mentioning here that Federal Minister Awais Leghari had earlier taken strict notice of power distribution companies purchasing electricity in violation of the merit order and has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.
The minister clarified that electricity procurement will be carried out strictly in accordance with NEPRA rules and the prescribed merit order. According to the Power Division, the Federal Minister has directed all power distribution companies to ensure full compliance with the merit order in every case.
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