Oman envoy tells petroleum minister request for priority energy cargoes will receive positive consideration

Oman’s ambassador to Pakistan, Fahad Bin Sulaiman Bin Khalaf Alkharusi, has indicated a positive response to Islamabad’s request for preferential energy shipments, according to a statement from the Petroleum Division following his meeting with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday.
During the meeting in Islamabad, the envoy expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, noting that Oman is prepared to assist in strengthening the country’s energy security. The minister, in turn, voiced hope that Oman would extend favourable consideration to Pakistan’s request for priority energy cargoes to meet rising demand—an assurance the ambassador responded to positively.
Both sides reviewed the shifting regional energy landscape and explored ways to expand bilateral cooperation. Malik highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Oman, built on shared history and strong people-to-people connections, and reiterated Islamabad’s intent to broaden collaboration in the energy sector.
The minister also briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s strategy to diversify import sources and ensure supply resilience, including exploring alternatives beyond the Strait of Hormuz amid evolving regional challenges.
According to the statement, Pakistan imported three petrol cargoes and one diesel shipment from Omani ports in March, with two additional petrol consignments expected within the same month.
Globally, fuel markets remain under strain following the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for roughly 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and a quarter of seaborne oil.
Despite these challenges, Malik recently noted that Saudi Arabia continues to supply crude oil to Pakistan via the Red Sea, while the United Arab Emirates is facilitating shipments through Fujairah, bypassing the Strait.
Officials monitoring fuel supplies have reported that incoming cargoes remain on schedule, with most shipments for March and April already secured and additional imports planned to bolster reserves. However, the government has cautioned that prolonged conflict could worsen the situation, prompting measures such as a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices earlier in March, alongside fuel conservation initiatives.
The statement also noted ongoing discussions between Pakistan State Oil and Oman Trading International regarding potential additional shipments. Opportunities for deeper collaboration in upstream activities, including exploration and production, were also explored, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening long-term energy cooperation between Pakistan and Oman.