Iran Allows Qatari Ship Full of LNG to Clear Hormuz And Head to Pakistan

Qatar has sent a large shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, which is now headed towards Pakistan, according to a Bloomberg reporter.

Shipping data shows the LNG tanker Al Kharaitiyat is currently navigating toward Pakistan, becoming the first serious attempt to export Qatari LNG through Hormuz since the US war started in late February.

Previous Qatari tankers were forced to turn back due to security risks and maritime restrictions in the strategic waterway. However, this vessel has advanced farther than earlier attempts and is now moving along the Tehran-approved northern shipping corridor near Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands.

The tanker is moving at full speed with no indication of reversing course. Its expected successful passage could hint at a partial reopening of LNG exports from the Gulf.

For Pakistan, the shipment carries major economic and energy significance. The country has been facing an acute gas shortage after LNG cargoes from Qatar effectively stopped arriving in early March due to Israel-focused US aggression against Iran. Pakistan imports over 90 percent of its LNG needs from the energy rich country.

If the tanker reaches its destination safely, it would not only ease Pakistan’s energy crisis but also test whether energy trade can resume through one of the world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoints despite the ongoing war. Currently, a ceasefire is in full effect.

The US Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have exchanged little skirmishes since last week’s Pakistan-mediated ceasefire.

The truce is a bit fragile and may break as Israel and a number of arab countries are urging the US to resume attacks on Iran, particularly its energy infrastructure.