Pakistan-Bound LNG Tanker With 25 Crew Attacked Near Hormuz Hours After Iran Cleared Its Passage

A Qatari LNG cargo ship was targeted near the Strait of Hormuz on October 30, despite discussions about a clearance between Pakistan and Iran.

Shortly before the incident, the Marshall Islands-registered Al Mayeda received clearance from Iranian authorities, Bloomberg reported. The carrier was sailing in the Arabian Gulf and was loaded with LNG as it was targeted. This raised concerns over shipping security and energy supplies.

ANI reports that Sarbananda Sonowal, the Indian Shipping Minister, said that 25 crew, including six Indian citizens, remained safe. No further details were provided.

Qatar Gas Transport Company, Nakilat, owns the carrier. Tracking data show that the carrier turned around and went into the Arabian Gulf, according to NDTV. On November 1, Nakilat said that the vessel was active and being evaluated. It remained unclear how the tanker was attacked and whether it would still reach Pakistan.

Pakistan has spoken with Iranian authorities about the safety of LNG shipments while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Over the month of October 2026, Several shipments received clearance and successfully crossed into the Gulf of Oman.

The LNG carrier incident emphasized the ongoing uncertainty about the carriers’ safety, which became another obstacle for Pakistan. The country has already been dealing with energy shortages caused by the regional conflict in the Middle East.

If the cargo does not arrive, Pakistan could be forced onto the spot market for LNG, where prices have more than tripled since before the war, according to Pakistan Today.

In October, LNG traffic through Hormuz was about 30% of its pre-war volume. Qatar has consistently sent LNG shipments through the waterway since September. Due to risky journeys, older vessels were also sent, which can help lower the extra costs associated with the complicated pathway, Pakistan Today says.

Pakistan’s Petroleum Ministry, QatarEnergy, and Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not comment on the incident, as of publication.

In an official statement, the Qatar Foreign Ministry said necessary investigations are underway and confirmed that the State of Qatar has the right to protect its vessels under international law.