In a significant diplomatic overture, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev has confirmed that Moscow is prepared to supply discounted crude oil to help Islamabad navigate its current energy crisis. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the envoy emphasized that while the offer is on the table, it is now up to the Pakistani government to initiate a formal request. Khorev identified the energy sector as the “most important pillar” of bilateral cooperation between the two nations, noting that any concrete progress on concessional fuel shipments depends entirely on Islamabad’s official engagement. To date, no such formal contact has been made by the Pakistani authorities.
The offer arrives at a critical juncture for Pakistan, which is grappling with a 20 percent surge in domestic petrol and diesel prices—an increase of approximately Rs55 per liter. This spike is a direct consequence of escalating regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have led to a near-complete standstill of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. With 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a significant portion of oil passing through this vital corridor, the closure has severely strained Pakistan’s import-dependent energy supply chain. Federal ministers have characterized the current price hikes as “temporary,” promising a rollback once the geopolitical situation stabilizes and alternative routes or supplies are secured.
Beyond energy logistics, Ambassador Khorev used the forum to address the broader regional instability, calling the situation “complex and unpredictable.” He criticized the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, stating that such actions have worsened the crisis and risk further destabilizing the Middle East. While acknowledging that Iran’s responses were targeted at military installations, he urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels under the United Nations Charter. For Pakistan, the potential for an uninterrupted and discounted oil supply from Russia represents a vital strategic buffer that could provide much-needed relief to an economy already struggling with high inflation and energy security risks.
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