ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has entered a critical phase of energy diplomacy as it moves closer to securing multiple liquefied natural gas cargoes from Qatar, aiming to stabilise power supply ahead of peak summer demand. Officials say advanced talks are underway to fast track shipments amid growing pressure from rising electricity consumption and public backlash over outages.

The urgency comes after a prolonged disruption in global supply routes triggered by tensions in the Middle East, which halted LNG imports and strained Pakistan’s power generation capacity. With key shipping lanes reopening, authorities are now pushing to ensure immediate fuel availability to avoid a deepening energy shortfall.

Sources revealed that the power sector has formally requested substantial LNG volumes to sustain electricity production, particularly for major gas based plants that are essential for grid stability. Without these supplies, reliance on costly alternatives could sharply increase generation expenses and burden consumers.

Energy planners warn that demand is already climbing as temperatures rise, with peak load expected to surge significantly in the coming weeks. LNG remains the backbone of efficient power generation, and any delay in supply could force extended load management across multiple regions.

Officials also highlighted that switching to fuels like diesel or furnace oil is neither economically viable nor sustainable, as it could trigger a dramatic spike in electricity costs. Maintaining LNG flow is therefore seen as the only practical route to balance affordability and reliability in the power system.

As negotiations near conclusion, the government is banking on swift delivery to prevent a full blown energy crisis. The coming days are being closely watched, as timely arrival of LNG cargoes could determine whether Pakistan avoids severe power disruptions or slips into another cycle of prolonged outages.