LNG tanker for Pakistan was attacked after agreeing passage with Iran
Pakistan was negotiating with Iran to ensure the safe passage of the Al-Mayeda liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker before the vessel was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported on November 1.
"Pakistan was negotiating with Iran to ensure safe passage for the Al-Mayeda gas carrier <...> and just a few hours before the attack, the Iranian authorities reportedly gave permission for passage," the article says.
A vessel loaded with Qatari LNG under the flag of the Marshall Islands was heading for the strait when it came under fire, after which it turned around and headed for the Persian Gulf. Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the tanker was attacked with a shell, noting that all 25 crew members are safe. The ship's owner, Nakilat, confirmed the strike on the tanker, adding that the vessel remains in working condition and is undergoing an assessment. The reasons for the attack remain unclear.
The incident highlights the risks to shipping around the Strait of Hormuz and poses challenges for Pakistan, which is experiencing energy shortages due to the crisis in the Middle East. Without this cargo, the country may be forced to turn to the spot market, where prices are more than three times higher than the pre-war level. In October, LNG flows through the strait remained stable at about 30% of pre-war levels. Qatar has been carrying out stable supplies through the strait since September, including using old ships to reduce the cost of insurance.
Bloomberg reported on September 10 that Qatar is negotiating to purchase liquefied natural gas from U.S. suppliers due to the fact that the military actions in Iran have undermined the emirate's ability to supply its own customers. According to the agency's interlocutors, the state-owned company QatarEnergy is interested in supplies from both existing and under construction American enterprises.
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