Pakistan Gets 2nd U.S. Crude Oil Shipment in 2025

Pakistan has received its second shipment of crude oil from the United States, reflecting the country’s growing efforts to diversify energy imports and reinforce its strategic trade partnership with Washington.

According to official reports, the latest cargo  comprising approximately one million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil  arrived at Cnergyico PK Limited’s offshore Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal located near Hub, Balochistan. The shipment was transported by the vessel MT Albany under a charter by international energy trader Vitol SA.

This follows the first U.S. crude oil shipment, which arrived in late October, bringing Pakistan’s total imports from the U.S. to nearly two million barrels. The two consignments are estimated to be worth around USD 150 million.

Strategic Significance

Pakistan’s latest crude oil imports from the United States highlight a strategic shift in its energy sourcing approach, traditionally dominated by supplies from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

Industry experts note that U.S. WTI crude, being a light and sweet grade, offers improved refining efficiency and higher yields of premium petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel. Moreover, the lighter composition results in lower refining costs and reduced emissions, aligning with Pakistan’s long-term energy optimization goals.

Cnergyico PK Limited, one of the nation’s leading refiners, has confirmed that the economics of U.S. crude oil imports have proven competitive when compared to Middle Eastern grades, even after considering the extended shipping distance. The use of the SPM terminal  Pakistan’s only deep-water offshore facility capable of handling large tankers  has been instrumental in making long-haul crude imports feasible.

Strengthening Bilateral Trade

The crude oil trade also underscores a broadening of economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. By increasing imports from the U.S., Pakistan aims to help balance its trade relationship with Washington, which has historically been tilted in favor of Pakistani exports.

This step is seen as part of a wider strategy to diversify import sources, enhance energy security, and establish long-term commercial stability in the petroleum sector.

Future Prospects

Cnergyico officials have indicated that the company is considering a third shipment of U.S. crude oil in early 2026, depending on international market dynamics and refining margins. The positive results from these initial cargoes could encourage regular imports and possibly long-term supply arrangements with U.S. producers.

Challenges Ahead

While the move towards diversified sourcing is promising, challenges remain. The longer transit distance between U.S. ports and Pakistan contributes to higher freight costs, and global shipping market fluctuations could impact future pricing. Moreover, Pakistan still relies on the Middle East for the majority of its crude requirements, meaning any large-scale shift will take time and investment in logistics infrastructure.

Outlook

The arrival of consecutive U.S. crude oil shipments marks a turning point in Pakistan’s import strategy, signaling a growing commitment to global energy diversification. It demonstrates the potential for enhanced economic cooperation between Islamabad and Washington, while offering Pakistani refiners an opportunity to optimize their product output and reduce costs.

If sustained, this development could pave the way for a more resilient and diversified energy portfolio, improving Pakistan’s capacity to respond to global oil market volatility and strengthening its position within international trade frameworks.

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