Saudi Arabia assures Pakistan of secure energy supplies through Red Sea route

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought an alternative crude oil supply route through Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with Riyadh assuring full support to help Islamabad safeguard its energy security during the evolving crisis.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a crucial meeting with Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, to discuss the fast-changing regional situation and its implications for global energy flows.

During the meeting, the minister briefed the ambassador on the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which the majority of Pakistan’s crude oil and petroleum product imports transit. He said Islamabad is monitoring developments on a daily basis, given the strategic importance of the route to the country’s energy supply chain.

Malik emphasized that the Government of Pakistan is actively working to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to consumers and industry, stressing that cooperation from brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia carries critical importance at a time of heightened uncertainty in global oil markets.

In a significant development, Saudi authorities assured Pakistan of secure crude supplies through the Port of Yanbu, located on the Red Sea coast. The port provides an alternative export outlet for Saudi oil, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and reducing exposure to regional disruptions.

The minister revealed that one vessel has already been assured for dispatch to Yanbu to lift crude oil for Pakistan, expressing hope that supplies routed through the Red Sea port would be prioritized to meet Pakistan’s requirements.

He also conveyed gratitude for Riyadh’s continued cooperation, noting that the Kingdom is already extending assistance to help stabilize Pakistan’s energy outlook amid the unfolding situation.

Ambassador Al-Malki reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support, stating that the Kingdom is fully aware of the evolving circumstances and stands ready to meet any emergency requirements of Pakistan. He underscored the deep-rooted brotherly ties between the two nations and reiterated that Saudi Arabia will continue to stand firmly with Pakistan, particularly during testing times.

The engagement signals Islamabad’s proactive diplomacy to secure alternative energy corridors and mitigate risks arising from geopolitical disruptions in one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.