ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has directed its oil refineries to identify alternative sources of crude oil outside the Gulf region amid concerns over disruptions to regional shipping routes following escalating tensions involving the United States, Iran and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
According to officials, the Ministry of Petroleum convened an emergency meeting with the chief executives of local refineries, where they were instructed to secure alternative crude supplies to ensure uninterrupted imports. Refineries have since begun assessing potential supplies from the United States, Singapore, Nigeria and Central Asian countries, while imports through Oman’s ports are also being evaluated.
Why are Gulf oil supplies under pressure?
The move follows reports of disruptions affecting key regional shipping routes, including concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthis’ announcement targeting Saudi oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Officials said Pakistan’s major refineries, including PARCO, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and National Refinery Limited (NRL), continue to import crude oil from the United Arab Emirates through Fujairah, while supplies of Saudi crude from the Yanbu terminal have become uncertain.
Authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely and expect greater clarity on Saudi crude shipments within the next few days as efforts continue to safeguard Pakistan’s energy security.