Azerbaijan has shown willingness to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan as the country faces a growing energy shortage due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The state energy company SOCAR said it is ready to provide LNG as soon as Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) submits a formal request. This comes under a framework agreement signed in 2025, which allows Pakistan to quickly purchase LNG cargoes when needed.

Pakistan is currently trying to arrange LNG supplies from the global market as its energy shortfall increases. The situation has become more serious after LNG imports from QatarEnergy were disrupted.

Officials say four LNG shipments from Qatar have been stopped due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas transport. The closure is linked to rising tensions involving Iran and ongoing regional conflict.

Pakistan State Oil, which was managing these imports, has informed authorities that deliveries will remain suspended until the situation improves.

Pakistan depends heavily on imported gas, and the current disruption has increased pressure on the energy sector. Domestic gas production is already declining, while international LNG prices remain unstable.

Earlier, Pakistan had asked Qatar to provide some of the stranded LNG cargoes once the route reopened, but the continued closure has delayed these plans.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan is trying to secure as much LNG as possible in the short term to meet immediate needs. He added that regular supplies are expected to resume once conditions stabilise.

The crisis began after an attack on a Qatar LNG facility, after which QatarEnergy declared force majeure on March 4, stopping supplies. Since then, Pakistan has been struggling to meet its energy demand.

Currently, the power sector needs around 400 million cubic feet of gas per day to maintain electricity production and reduce load shedding.

With Azerbaijan now offering support, Pakistan may find temporary relief as it works to manage its energy challenges during this uncertain period.