The Pakistan government intends to import crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through the Red Sea, while considering a shift to a weekly petroleum price review system, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts shipping routes in the Gulf.
Officials stated that these steps are designed to guarantee steady fuel supplies amid the ongoing Iran–U.S.–Israel tensions, which have disrupted oil shipments through the key waterway. Pakistan brings in about one million barrels of crude each month, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE serving as its primary suppliers.
According to The Express Tribune, citing sources, the shipments from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and Saudi Aramco will be diverted through Red Sea export terminals to avoid the Strait of Hormuz. One refinery has already received cargo via this route, while other vessels transporting oil are either arriving or on their way to Pakistan.
The government is also weighing a shift from the current fortnightly petroleum price adjustments to a weekly review. Officials noted that the move aims to prevent fuel hoarding by dealers during periods of price volatility. Additionally, authorities have kept Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessels on standby to transport cargo from Saudi Arabia and the UAE if needed.
Officials reported that Pakistan currently has petrol and diesel reserves sufficient to cover around 28 days of domestic demand. These stocks were built up following earlier directives from the Petroleum Division to maintain adequate fuel inventories in light of escalating geopolitical risks.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority raised stock levels after evaluating the possibility of further tensions in the Middle East. In January, the country held more than 25 days of fuel cover, which was expanded to 28 days in February through additional imports.
Analysts caution that a prolonged conflict could lead to wider disruptions in global oil supply chains. Officials stated that Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with suppliers to maintain steady fuel supplies.
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