Pakistan says Kuwait Petroleum Corporation to facilitate diesel, jet fuel supplies amid regional disruptions

Kuwait’s state-owned oil company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, has assured it would facilitate Pakistani-flagged vessels with diesel and jet fuel supplies, Pakistan’s petroleum ministry said, amid widespread energy and cargo disruptions linked to the United States-Israeli war on Iran.

The move follows Pakistan’s announcement of a Jet A-1 fuel supply disruption, after which authorities urged foreign airlines to carry return fuel and limit refueling as a precaution due to concerns about availability.

Iran’s chokehold of the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli attacks has upended tanker traffic along a route that once carried around 20 percent of global oil, driving up energy prices worldwide.

Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik met Kuwaiti Ambassador Nasser Abdulrahman Jasim Al-Mutairi to discuss Kuwait’s facilitation of Pakistani-flagged ships.

“Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has assured of fully facilitating possible supply of diesel and jet fuel to Pakistani flagged ships from Kuwait,” the petroleum ministry said in a statement, expressing gratitude for the support.

Ambassador Al-Mutairi said Kuwait would continue to support Pakistan, while Minister Malik appreciated the assistance despite global and regional challenges.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran had allowed additional ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has also finalized arrangements to import petrol for April as it works to conserve fuel stocks amid global supply disruptions.

The government recently raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per liter, reflecting concerns that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger shortages or push global oil prices higher, affecting Pakistan’s balance of payments.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices met under Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to review petroleum stocks and developments in the energy sector.

Officials said the current supply position remains stable, with diesel stocks covering approximately 23–24 days and petrol availability described as comfortable. Crude oil stocks were reported to provide around 11 days of cover, with additional cargoes in transit expected to sustain refinery operations and product availability through April.

Authorities added that import plans are being actively managed, with significant volumes already secured through commercial and government-to-government arrangements, while refinery operations continue at optimal levels to meet domestic demand.