First US crude shipment set to arrive in Pakistan as Cnergyico opens new era in energy trade

Pakistan’s energy sector reached a historic milestone Tuesday as the country’s first-ever shipment of U.S. crude oil arrived at Cnergyico’s offshore terminal in Balochistan, marking a new chapter in Pakistan–U.S. trade relations.

The vessel MT Pegasus, chartered by Pakistan’s largest oil refiner Cnergyico, docked at the company’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) port, carrying 1 million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil. The Suezmax-size tanker, loaded in Houston on Sept. 14, is the largest oil vessel ever to berth at a Pakistani port, breaking Cnergyico’s own record set in fiscal year 2017.

Cnergyico said the import marks Pakistan’s first purchase of U.S. crude oil, following a recent bilateral trade agreement between Islamabad and Washington aimed at diversifying Pakistan’s energy supply and strengthening economic ties.

“This is a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s oil sector and a testament to the growing trade partnership between the two countries,” a company spokesperson said.

The arrival of MT Pegasus underscores Cnergyico’s ongoing strategy to expand sourcing and enhance supply security. The company confirmed plans to import a second cargo of 1 million barrels of U.S. crude in mid-November, followed by a third shipment in early 2026 as part of its long-term import plan.

Cnergyico said the first cargo of WTI crude will be processed at its refinery to meet domestic fuel demand, while additional shipments will support Pakistan’s broader energy diversification goals.

The company emphasized that bringing the Suezmax MT Pegasus to its offshore terminal at the SPM facility demonstrates Pakistan’s capacity to handle large-scale oil carriers and reinforces its role as a regional energy hub.

By facilitating the first U.S. crude import, Cnergyico has not only advanced its own refining capabilities but also helped boost bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States, officials said.