Pakistan considers allowing private enterprises to directly import liquefied natural gas

Title context: Text: People familiar with the matter said Pakistan is considering allowing power plants and other private enterprises to import liquefied natural gas directly. The government hopes to use this to stabilize energy supply while avoiding further strain on the country's finances. Pakistan's two LNG receiving terminals have been largely idle since March. The Middle East conflict has almost cut off gas supplies from Qatar, its largest supplier. Existing regulations are highly restrictive, making it difficult for buyers other than state-owned Pakistan LNG Limited to purchase LNG cargoes from the spot market. People familiar with the matter said the Petroleum Division of Pakistan's Ministry of Energy has submitted a proposal to significantly expand the auction scope of the terminals' idle capacity and allow private enterprises to import LNG directly. The relevant information has not yet been made public. A director general of the Petroleum Division did not immediately respond to a request for comment.