South Asia, Pakistan Face Huge Crisis After Iran Strikes Their Biggest LNG Seller

South Asian countries like Pakistan and India face a potential gas and power crisis after Iran’s air strikes caused extensive damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub and the primary source of Islamabad’s gas imports.

Pakistan depends on Qatar for nearly 99 percent of its LNG supply. The country could face prolonged interruption in imports and more fuel austerity measures in the coming weeks if Qatar suspends cargo deliveries for more than two weeks.

It should be mentioned that Iran carried out these attacks in retaliation for recent strikes by Israel and the United States on its South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, which powers around 80 percent of Iran’s electricity.

Qatar’s state-owned energy giant, QatarEnergy, has already suspended LNG production following the incident. Even after operations resume, it could take at least 2-3 extra weeks to restore normal export levels. This and other regional tensions have already affected key energy shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a big share of global oil and gas trade flows.

Pakistan could experience gas shortages, electricity load-shedding, and reduced industrial activity if supply disruptions persist for longer periods. The country’s reliance on a single major LNG supplier leaves limited room to offset the shortfall through other sellers.

Other LNG-dependent countries, including Bangladesh, are also expected to feel the impact, though Pakistan is among the most vulnerable due to its limited storage capacity and high dependence on imported gas.

The federal government is already monitoring the situation closely. The Petroleum Division alongside key officials of the Finance Ministry are meeting daily to consider emergency imports, rationing, or adjustments in energy usage to manage demand.