Qatar and Pakistan have reached a new commercial arrangement allowing Doha to divert 24 LNG cargoes originally scheduled for delivery to Pakistan in 2026, according to Pakistani media reports. The decision comes under a mutually agreed “net proceeds differential formula,” which enables Qatar to resell the cargoes on the international market. Pakistan, in return, will cover the price difference only if the diverted shipments are sold below the contracted rate, ensuring that neither side suffers unexpected financial losses.
🇶🇦 Qatar to Divert 24 LNG Cargoes in 2026 Amid Falling Demand
Qatar has agreed to divert 24 liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes next year under a “net proceeds differential” arrangement, following a sharp decline in consumer demand from Pakistan.
Under the terms, if Qatar sells… pic.twitter.com/v6K8uoiufd
— West Asia Watch (@WestAsiaWatch) November 12, 2025
The mechanism provides Pakistan some short-term flexibility during a period of reduced LNG demand and persistent fiscal pressures, while allowing Qatar to take advantage of higher international LNG prices if market conditions strengthen in 2026. Industry analysts say the move is consistent with Qatar’s commercial strategy of optimizing cargo placement amid tight global supply and fluctuating spot market dynamics.
Qatar currently accounts for nearly 99% of Pakistan’s LNG imports, supplying 5.82 million tons in the year to date. The countries are bound by two long-term contracts with Pakistan State Oil (PSO)—a 3.75mn tons per year agreement signed in 2016 and a 3mn tons per year deal initiated in 2022. Both contracts are set to expire in 2031.
Energy officials expect that cargo diversion flexibility may help Pakistan better manage seasonal demand and foreign exchange constraints without altering long-term procurement commitments.
