Pakistan witnessed a significant increase in the cost of importing Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) during May 2026, with expenses rising by nearly 42 percent compared to the same period last year.
The surge was mainly linked to higher international energy prices and tighter supply conditions in the global market. Increased Brent-linked gas pricing, along with greater reliance on costly spot market cargoes, pushed overall import costs upward.
Additional expenses, including terminal operations and handling charges, also contributed to the rise. During the month, Pakistan LNG Limited secured a spot cargo at a higher pricing slope, further increasing the financial burden.
At the same time, Pakistan State Oil reported a decline in RLNG import volumes, adding to concerns surrounding energy availability and pricing.
Experts believe the rising import bill could place additional pressure on the country’s energy sector and may create challenges related to affordability and supply management in the months ahead.