Pakistan coal demand could remain supported as LNG supply constraints continue to reshape the country’s power mix. The latest analysis shows coal-fired generation increasing to offset lower LNG availability, highlighting coal’s continuing role in maintaining electricity security during periods of fuel supply uncertainty.
Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s power sector to disruptions in global LNG supply.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported LNG from Qatar, with around 70% of imported LNG consumed by the country’s power sector. As LNG availability tightened, the impact on electricity generation became increasingly visible.
During April 2026, LNG-fired power generation fell well below recent historical averages, reducing its share of Pakistan’s electricity mix. Coal-fired generation stepped in to help compensate for the shortfall, increasing its contribution to the national generation mix as power producers sought alternative sources of reliable baseload electricity.
The analysis suggests that, even if geopolitical tensions ease, LNG supplies could remain constrained in the near term due to ongoing disruption risks affecting regional export infrastructure. As a result, coal is expected to continue playing an important role in supporting Pakistan’s electricity system whenever imported gas availability comes under pressure.
The report also notes that Pakistan’s electricity demand continues to grow alongside population and economic expansion. While rooftop solar installations are accelerating, distributed generation alone is unlikely to replace the need for dependable large-scale generation during periods of supply uncertainty.
For coal market participants, the findings provide another reminder that fuel security remains a key driver of generation decisions. When LNG supply is disrupted or becomes less competitive, coal-fired generation continues to provide an important source of system reliability, particularly in fast-growing emerging markets such as Pakistan.
Source: Rystad Energy – Conflict-driven LNG supply disruptions reshape Pakistan’s generation mix (Linkedin)
