Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has announced that Pakistan will begin selling its extra LNG (liquefied natural gas) in the international market starting January 1.
He shared this update during a press conference in Lahore, explaining that Pakistan has been importing LNG from Qatar and the Italian company Eni, but recent changes in energy use within the country have created a surplus.
According to the minister, domestic consumption of LNG—especially in the power generation sector—has gone down.
Power plants that once relied heavily on LNG have either reduced their needs or switched to other sources, which means the gas being imported is no longer being fully used. This extra LNG, if left unutilized, could become a financial burden for the government and the companies involved in its supply.
Earlier reports had already warned that the surplus LNG could cause significant financial losses for local producers and the national economy.
The unused gas would have to be paid for, even if it remained unsold or unconsumed. Because of this, the government began exploring options to sell the excess LNG abroad instead of letting it go to waste.
Malik said that exporting the surplus gas is the most practical solution to avoid heavy losses. By selling LNG in the international market, Pakistan can recover costs, generate revenue, and handle its LNG supply more responsibly.
He added that this plan will help balance the country’s gas imports and consumption, ensuring that Pakistan neither faces shortages nor suffers from oversupply.
The minister emphasized that careful management of LNG resources is essential for economic stability. Exporting the surplus, he said, will protect Pakistan’s energy sector from unnecessary financial pressure.
