By SKM
March 04, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Amid the escalating Strait of Hormuz crisis, Pakistan on Wednesday formally placed a request with Saudi Arabia seeking inclusion in the preferred list of countries for the supply of crude oil from Yanbu on the Red Sea.
Yanbu al-Bahr is connected to the East–West Pipeline, officially known as the Petroline, which runs across Saudi Arabia from the oil fields in the Eastern Province to the Red Sea coast at Yanbu. Saudi Arabia supplies crude oil from the Red Sea to key customers such as China, South Korea, Japan, and India. Pakistan has also requested that crude supplies be provided from the Red Sea route.
It is pertinent to mention that Pak-Arab Refinery Company has already arranged one crude oil shipment of 70,000 barrels from the same Red Sea point in Saudi Arabia to make refinery operation up to March 25..
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a meeting with H.E. Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, and requested the supply of crude oil to Pakistan from the Red Sea. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.
The Federal Minister apprised the Ambassador of the current situation and the implications of any closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets. He stated that Pakistan is closely monitoring developments, as the majority of its energy supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Minister emphasized that the Government of Pakistan is actively working to ensure continuity of the energy supply chain. He noted that the support of brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia is highly valued during challenging times.
He further highlighted that Saudi authorities have assured security of supplies through the Port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, which can help meet Pakistan’s energy requirements. Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support and stated that the Kingdom is already assisting Pakistan. He informed that one vessel has been assured for dispatch to Yanbu to lift crude oil for Pakistan and expressed hope that supplies from the Port of Yanbu will be prioritized for Pakistan.
The Ambassador stated that the Kingdom is fully aware of the evolving situation and reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia will stand firmly with Pakistan to meet any emergency requirements. He emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are brotherly countries and will continue to stand together, especially in these testing times.
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