WASHINGTON: Pakistan is among a group of countries that could potentially benefit from a new temporary United States licence permitting selected energy-importing nations to access Russian oil supplies, diplomatic sources told Dawn on Tuesday.
The 30-day general licence, issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, is aimed at easing immediate disruptions in global crude markets and supporting countries vulnerable to rising energy costs and supply shortages.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan may qualify under the arrangement, although officials cautioned that Islamabad’s ability to utilise the concession fully could remain limited due to technical and infrastructural constraints within the country’s refining sector.
Sources noted that Pakistan has not previously imported Russian crude oil on a large commercial scale and currently lacks sufficient refinery capacity to efficiently process certain grades of Russian crude shipments.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the decision in a statement posted on X, saying the temporary licence was intended to allow “the most vulnerable nations” to gain short-term access to Russian oil supplies currently stranded at sea.
“This extension will provide additional flexibility, and we will work with these nations to provide specific licences as needed,” Bessent stated.
He added that the measure was designed to stabilise global crude markets and redirect energy supplies towards countries facing the greatest vulnerability amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
According to US officials, the licence is also intended to limit China’s ability to accumulate discounted Russian oil reserves by redistributing available supplies to smaller energy-dependent economies.
The move comes amid heightened volatility in international oil markets following disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East and instability surrounding key maritime energy routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan, which remains heavily dependent on imported fuel to meet domestic energy demands, has been exploring alternative energy partnerships and discounted crude supply options in recent years as it faces persistent pressure on foreign exchange reserves and import costs.
However, analysts say significant logistical and refining adjustments would be required before Pakistan could effectively integrate large-scale Russian crude imports into its energy supply chain.