Pakistan has successfully negotiated with Iran to secure safe passage for at least one Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipment, utilizing diplomatic channels to alleviate a severe energy shortage.
The LNG carrier Al Areesh transited the Strait of Hormuz with active transponders and signaled Pakistan as the final destination after idling in the Persian Gulf since early July. The vessel loaded the cargo at the Ras Laffan export terminal in Qatar, while the diplomatic arrangement could potentially cover additional shipments, Bloomberg reported.
Severe regional conflict and an earlier maritime attack on a Qatari LNG tanker had disrupted fuel deliveries, forcing Pakistan to endure widespread blackouts.
Pakistan relies heavily on Qatari energy supplies and has previously leveraged diplomatic relationships to mediate between the United States and Iran for cargo safety.
The petroleum ministry has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the breakthrough, while authorities in Qatar and Iran also declined immediate requests for comment.
Reports noted that the ongoing supply disruptions have compelled the country to spend over $400 million on spot market procurements since late February to compensate for missing deliveries from its primary supplier.
Previously, Saudi bound vessel carrying 750,000 barrels of crude oil crossed the Bab el-Mandeb among eleven other shipments.
Where the news of cargo shipment crossing the Houthi Blockade brought relief to the consumers in the country, the breakthrough followed a significant press release whereby the ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan vowed that the country would resort to use of force against actors who would target its vessels in the region.
