Saudi Arabia has assured oil supply for Pakistan through alternate route, says minister

Pakistan has requested an alternative oil supply route through Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu Port, with Riyadh assuring full support, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Wednesday after meeting Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki.

Malik said Saudi authorities have guaranteed the security of supplies routed through Yanbu, located on the Red Sea, and confirmed that a vessel would be dispatched from Pakistan to lift crude oil from the port.

“We are grateful for Saudi Arabia’s support at this time,” Malik said, adding that he hoped Pakistan would be given priority in oil shipments from Yanbu.

The minister noted that most of Pakistan’s petroleum supplies traditionally arrive via the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the importance of alternative routes amid evolving regional conditions.

Al-Malki reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to continued cooperation in case of any emergency needs and said Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would stand by each other in challenging times.

Malik said the Pakistan government is making all-out efforts to ensure uninterrupted energy supply chains for the public, adding that support from “brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia” is of critical importance under the current circumstances.