Pakistan is exploring spot-market purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to counter supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, though the government says it prefers government-to-government deals to avoid sharp price premiums. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per million British thermal units amid the Middle East tensions, while Qatar has also declared force majeure on deliveries, pressuring Pakistan ahead of peak summer power demand. The country, which imports nearly all of its oil — much of it through the Strait of Hormuz — has begun rerouting some crude shipments through Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu to reduce exposure, and is also weighing costlier fuels such as furnace oil to limit blackouts, with officials warning that prolonged shortages could threaten food security.