Energy supply chain disruption affects fertilizer production, Pakistan's industrial sector faces gas shortage crisis

Golden Ten Data reported on March 4 that Pakistan's largest natural gas distributor is preparing to cut supplies to some industrial customers, indicating that Pakistan, one of the world's most dependent economies on Qatar's energy exports, is facing increasing pressure. During the last energy crisis four years ago, Pakistan suffered a severe economic blow, unable to afford sky-high energy prices, and was forced to endure several hours of power outages daily. In the short term, the current crisis surprisingly brings an unexpected "positive aspect" for Pakistan's stressed economy—it may help the country avoid costly procurement agreements from Qatar that it no longer needs. Samiullah Tariq, Head of Research at Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company, stated that turning to cheaper alternatives such as imported coal "might be a blessing in disguise." However, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited notified customers that, due to a supply interruption reported by its supplier Pakistan State Oil Company just five days after the outbreak of the Persian Gulf conflict, the company will stop supplying regasified liquefied natural gas to fertilizer plants from midnight Wednesday. This suggests that if the interruption lasts longer, it will almost certainly bring painful and heavy consequences.