Pakistan Seeks Preferential Treatment from Qatar on LNG Imports

Pakistan is seeking a preferential treatment from Qatar for the import of LNG, a senior government official said on Friday, according to The News.

“The Qatari government has lowered the price to $14-16 mmbtu (million metric British thermal unit) but Pakistan wants more concessionary price in the wake of sharp decline in the LNG price in the international market,” a senior government official involved in the recent talks with the Qatari government on LNG imports told The News.

Islamabad is looking to import 500 million cubic feet day of LNG from Qatar over 20 years. However, final decision has not been reached because of pricing issues and non-availability of LNG terminal in Pakistan.

Initially, Qatar was seeking $18 mmbtu which Pakistan said was very expensive.

Also, Pakistan hopes to get its first LNG terminal ready by early next year. The terminal is being constructed by Elengy Terminal Pakistan Limited.

A second LNG terminal is also expected to come up at Gwadar.