Pakistan, April 21 -- Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR has said it is ready to supply liquefied natural gas to Pakistan. The announcement comes as Pakistan seeks additional LNG cargoes to address a growing energy shortfall. The development could help ease pressure on the country's energy system.

According to SOCAR, an existing framework agreement allows direct LNG purchases between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG Limited. The company said it can supply LNG once a formal request is submitted by Islamabad. Moreover, it did not confirm whether any request has already been made.

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Pakistan continues to face rising energy demand and declining domestic gas production. The country ...