Russian oil imports may open to Pakistan

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is among the countries that could benefit from a new temporary United States licence allowing selected energy-importing nations to access Russian oil, diplomatic sources said.

The 30-day general licence has been issued by the US Department of the Treasury to ease immediate pressure in global crude markets and provide relief to countries considered vulnerable on the energy front.

According to diplomatic sources, the arrangement may also cover Pakistan, although they cautioned that Islamabad may not be in a position to make full use of the concession because of technical limitations.

Temporary US measure

The development was outlined by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a social media post released on Monday. He said his department was issuing a temporary 30-day general licence to help vulnerable countries gain access to Russian oil that is currently unable to reach buyers.

Bessent said the measure was intended to support countries facing energy stress while also helping stabilise crude supplies in the market.

In the same post on X, he said the licence would create room for further action where required. "This extension will provide additional flexibility, and we will work with these nations to provide specific licences as needed."

He also said the general licence would contribute to market stability and direct supplies toward countries facing the greatest energy challenges. "This general licence will help stabilise the physical crude market and ensure oil reaches the most energy-vulnerable countries."

Bessent added that the arrangement would also assist in redirecting existing supplies by limiting stockpiling by China.

Pakistan’s constraints

Diplomatic sources said Pakistan has not previously imported Russian crude on a large scale. They said this could limit the country’s ability to benefit from the US move.

The sources also noted that Pakistan may not have the refining infrastructure needed to process such shipments in significant volumes. As a result, while the licence could potentially open an avenue for access, practical constraints may affect how far Islamabad can take advantage of it.

The US measure comes as Washington seeks to address immediate supply pressures in global crude markets through a limited-duration mechanism aimed at energy-importing states considered most exposed to disruptions.

The licence is valid for 30 days, according to the statement shared by the US Treasury secretary, with the possibility of specific licences being issued where needed.