Pakistan is in talks with Qatar to expand liquefied natural gas deliveries, the latest effort by the South Asian country to help alleviate a debilitating fuel shortage, Bloomberg reported.

According to officials familiar with the situation, the administration has asked Qatar, its largest LNG supplier, for several additional monthly shipments to begin as early as this year. Sources state that Pakistan is asking for additional shipments as part of its long-term deal.

The conversations are ongoing, and it’s unclear whether Qatar has the extra capacity to meet the request, according to anonymous sources.

The global energy crisis is the latest issue facing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, which took office in April following a period of political turmoil.

Increasing Qatari fuel exports would not only help Pakistan overcome its fuel supply deficit but would also assist the government in avoiding a volatile and expensive spot market.

Pakistan is also looking into signing a new long-term liquefied natural gas purchasing arrangement with a number of countries.