Pakistan's Economy on the Brink as Qatar Cuts Off LNG Exports

The Middle East conflict has triggered a global energy shock — and Pakistan is already feeling the impact. Oil prices briefly surged to $116 per barrel, petrol has crossed Rs321 per litre, and LNG shipments that supply 20–25% of Pakistan’s gas are now under threat after Qatar declared force majeure on exports. Unlike oil, Pakistan has no strategic gas storage, meaning the system runs live. If LNG cargoes stop arriving, pipeline pressure can drop almost immediately — affecting industry, power generation, and household supply. This week, we examine how this energy shock could ripple through Pakistan’s economy. We break down the impact on three critical sectors: Fertilizer & agriculture – gas shortages could threaten fertilizer production and future crop cycles Aviation & transport – jet fuel prices are surging alongside global oil markets Financial markets – the PSX is reacting sharply to geopolitical uncertainty Because energy shocks rarely stay confined to oil markets — they ripple through food prices, transport costs, and the broader economy. Follow Pakistan & Counting on: X: https://x.com/PakAndCounting FB: https://www.facebook.com/PakistanAndCounting IG: https://www.instagram.com/pakistanandcounting/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pakistanandcounting?_t=8rbVjlJIYOw&_r=1 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pakistan-and-counting/