Pakistan looks to domestic gas as Middle East turmoil curbs supply

The company also plans to boost crude oil production by 14 per cent to 40,000 barrels per day, as the conflict has disrupted shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. OGDCL's Managing Director, Ahmed Lak, emphasised potential further increases with new discoveries.

"This potential can be fully monetised subject to offtake by the buyers," Lak said. Pakistan is exploring the option of reducing LNG terminal regasification due to undelivered Qatari cargoes, industry sources said.

The move could relieve pressure on Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, sources added.

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi, Editing by Harikrishnan Nair)