Pakistan to transfer Russian oil from Oman in small ships: Minister

ISLAMABAD: On May 27, the first ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil will arrive in Oman, where it will be transported to Pakistan in small ships, according to Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik.

Musadik Malik stated that Pakistani ports do not have the ability to accommodate vessels carrying more than 50,000 tonnes of cargo given the reason the ship was anchored at an Omani port. Pakistan, according to the minister, has South Asia’s lowest energy consumption per person and needs 20 million tonnes of fuel annually. The minister urged the need to build a refinery with a capacity of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels, citing the concern that fuel demand will reach 34.33 million tonnes in 2032.

Malik also said storage of crude oil for the energy sector in the country is inevitable.

It may be noted that Pakistan placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil under a new deal struck between Islamabad and Moscow on April 20.

He said Pakistan’s Refinery Limited (PRL) will initially refine the Russian crude, with other refineries to be included later after a trial run.