Pakistan said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia had responded positively to its request for an alternative route for oil supplies due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to an attack on Iran.
According to an official statement, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki during which the two discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.
Malik briefed the ambassador on the current situation and the consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets.
He said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the developing situation every day as most of Pakistan’s energy supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan is actively working to ensure the continuity of the energy supply chain for its people. He noted that the support of brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia means a lot to Pakistan in challenging times.
“He further emphasized that Saudi resources have ensured the security of supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu, which can help meet energy requirements,” the statement said.
Malik expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support and said the kingdom was already helping Pakistan. He informed that one vessel has been secured by dispatch from Pakistan to Yanbu Port to pick up crude oil for Pakistan.
He further expressed the hope that the supply of oil from Yanbu port will be a priority for Pakistan.
The Saudi envoy said the kingdom was fully aware of the developing situation and reiterated that his country would stand firmly by Pakistan to meet any emergency requirements.
He emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are brotherly countries and they will continue to stick together, especially in these testing times, according to the statement.
Pakistan is dependent on oil supplies from the Persian Gulf region, and the closure of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz could affect its supplies. The government is trying to compensate for the impacts by looking for alternative supply routes.
