Pakistan's Hormuz agreement with Iran faces test after LNG tanker attack

A diplomatic arrangement between Pakistan and Iran to ensure safe maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz has faced a severe test after an attack on a Pakistan-bound liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker from Qatar.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over Islamabad’s energy supply security, underscoring the urgent need to secure alternative sources and shipping routes.

The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, Al Mayeda, came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on 30 October.

Owned by Nakilat, Qatar’s state-owned gas transport company, the vessel had 25 crew members on board at the time of the incident, all of whom are reported safe. Following the strike, a minor fire broke out aboard the ship, forcing it to turn back toward Qatar. The perpetrators behind the attack have not yet been identified.

Pakistan had previously engaged Iranian authorities to secure safe passage for the vessel. Citing relevant sources, Bloomberg reported that Tehran had granted clearance for the tanker to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the vessel was struck just hours after receiving clearance, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of Islamabad’s diplomatic understanding with Iran.

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According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Pakistan has experienced major disruptions to its energy supplies since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. A acute LNG shortfall has forced the country to implement gas rationing and nighttime power supply curbs.

However, researcher Arhama Siddiqa cautioned against viewing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts as an immediate failure based on a single attack, noting that the circumstances surrounding the strike and the identity of the perpetrators must first be established.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has moved to procure alternative LNG cargoes for December and January to meet anticipated winter demand. With global LNG prices surging to more than three times their pre-war levels, purchasing fuel from alternative sources is expected to impose a steep financial burden on the country.

For Pakistan, the incident extends beyond a single maritime strike, bringing fundamental energy security risks to the fore. Failure to reduce dependence on Qatari supplies and secure alternative providers and supply routes could exacerbate the country's energy crisis in the near future.