The government move follows the sudden disruption of maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, where consecutive days of strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces have effectively shuttered the vital transit route. Traders confirmed the cancellation of a Qatari shipment that was slated for arrival later this month, leaving the nation with no choice but to return to the volatile spot market. This marks the third spot cargo Pakistan has sought in recent weeks, highlighting the fragility of a supply chain that has historically relied almost exclusively on long-term fixed deals with Qatar.

Pakistan’s vulnerability was laid bare earlier this year when the initial outbreak of conflict on February 28 halted vessel movement entirely, triggering a nationwide power crisis characterized by fuel rationing and rolling blackouts. While previous attempts to normalize energy flows have faced repeated setbacks, the latest escalation suggests that relief for the South Asian nation remains elusive. With the Strait of Hormuz currently at a standstill following retaliatory strikes targeting infrastructure in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, the country faces an intensifying struggle to secure the fuel necessary to keep its power grid operational.