Pakistan has started exploring alternative sources of crude oil imports following the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthis’ announcement to halt Saudi oil shipments through the Bab al-Mandab route.
According to the report, the evolving regional situation has raised concerns about Pakistan’s energy security, prompting Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to convene an emergency meeting with the chief executives and managing directors of the country’s oil refineries.
Officials at the meeting were briefed on the regional security situation arising from the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Iran and the Houthis, while discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted crude oil supplies.
The petroleum minister directed refinery management to immediately identify alternative import sources to reduce the risk of supply disruptions.
Officials said that following the meeting, refineries began contacting international trading companies to assess the availability of crude oil from the United States, Singapore, Nigeria and Central Asian countries.
According to the report, the objective is to safeguard Pakistan’s energy security and ensure a stable supply of crude oil in the event of prolonged regional disruptions.
