Oman pledges support for Pakistan's energy needs, eyes deeper cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Oman’s envoy to Pakistan, Fahad Bin Sulaiman Bin Khalaf Alkharusi, assured Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday that Islamabad’s request for preferential energy cargoes will be “considered favorably," according to a statement by the Petroleum Division.

The meeting in Islamabad focused on strengthening bilateral energy ties and enhancing Pakistan’s energy security. Ambassador Alkharusi welcomed Pakistan’s push toward diversification of energy sources and expressed readiness to support the country’s growing energy needs. Malik emphasized Pakistan-Oman’s long-standing cordial relations, rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people ties, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to expanding energy cooperation.

Discussions covered the ongoing fuel supply from Oman, with three petrol and one diesel cargo imported in March and two more petrol shipments planned. The ministers also reviewed regional energy challenges, especially disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, and Pakistan’s efforts to explore alternative import routes, including crude from Saudi Arabia via the Red Sea and UAE shipments via Fujairah.

The meeting highlighted constructive talks between Pakistan State Oil and Oman Trading International to explore additional cargoes, as well as opportunities in upstream oil and gas exploration, production, and development projects. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen Pakistan-Oman cooperation in the energy sector for mutual benefit.