A Qatar-bound liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment destined for Pakistan has come under attack near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz despite receiving prior clearance from Iranian authorities, according to a Bloomberg report.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about Pakistan’s energy security and the safety of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

According to Bloomberg, Pakistan had negotiated safe passage with Iranian officials for the Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier Al Mayeda before it was targeted on Friday.

People familiar with the discussions said Iranian authorities had reportedly approved the vessel’s passage just hours before the attack.

The tanker was carrying Qatari LNG intended for Pakistan when it came under fire near the Strait of Hormuz. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible have not yet been established.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the vessel was struck in a projectile attack. All 25 crew members, including six Indian nationals, were reported safe.

Qatar Gas Transport Company, commonly known as Nakilat, also confirmed on Sunday that the vessel had been hit but remained operational. The company said an assessment of the carrier was underway.

Following the incident, the tanker reversed course and headed back towards the Persian Gulf, according to vessel-tracking information. It remains unclear whether the shipment will resume its journey to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s LNG Supply at Risk

Pakistan has increasingly relied on diplomatic negotiations with Iran to secure safe passage for Qatari LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Several earlier shipments successfully crossed the waterway following arrangements with Tehran.

However, the latest attack could complicate these arrangements and create additional uncertainty for Pakistan’s already strained energy supply.

Bloomberg reported that if the shipment fails to reach Pakistan, the country may have to purchase replacement LNG from the international spot market, where prices have reportedly climbed to more than three times their pre-war levels.

LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained at approximately 30% of pre-war volumes during October, highlighting the scale of disruption to regional energy trade.

The incident also raises questions about the security of vessels even when diplomatic arrangements for safe passage have reportedly been secured.