Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan of full cooperation in securing crude oil supplies through an alternative route using the Red Sea port of Yanbu, following disruptions in shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes at a time when regional tensions have raised concerns about energy supply security for countries that depend heavily on oil imports through the strategic maritime corridor.
The assurance was conveyed during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki. The discussion focused on the evolving regional situation and its potential impact on global oil shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as one of the most important energy transit corridors in the world.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to international waters and is used for transporting a large portion of the world’s crude oil. For Pakistan, the route holds particular importance as a significant share of the country’s petroleum imports passes through the strait. Any disruption in this corridor can therefore create challenges for maintaining a stable supply of fuel for domestic consumption.
During the meeting, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed hope that Pakistan would receive priority in crude oil shipments through Yanbu Port if the alternative route becomes necessary. Yanbu, located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, serves as a major export terminal that allows oil shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and reach global markets through alternative maritime routes.
According to the minister, Saudi authorities have assured Pakistan that the supply of crude oil will remain secure despite the current regional uncertainty. He stated that Saudi sources have confirmed arrangements for dispatching a ship from Pakistan to Yanbu in order to transport crude oil through this alternative route.
Malik also conveyed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support and cooperation during a period when the global energy market is experiencing increased uncertainty due to geopolitical developments. He noted that Pakistan’s government is closely monitoring the situation in the region to ensure that the country’s energy supply chain remains stable.
The petroleum minister highlighted that most of Pakistan’s energy imports currently pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country particularly sensitive to disruptions in maritime shipping within the Gulf region. He said authorities are continuously evaluating developments in the international energy market and coordinating with partner countries to safeguard fuel supplies.
Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the government’s priority is to maintain uninterrupted energy availability for the public and industry. According to him, efforts are underway to ensure that Pakistan’s supply chain remains operational even if shipping challenges continue in the region.
Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki assured Pakistan that Saudi Arabia would extend full cooperation if any emergency situation arises affecting energy supplies. He reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the two countries and stated that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have consistently supported each other during difficult periods.
The ambassador noted that the relationship between the two countries includes strong cooperation in energy, trade, and economic sectors. He assured that Saudi authorities would remain engaged in ensuring stable oil supplies to Pakistan if alternative routes are required.
Reports have also indicated that Saudi Arabia is exploring options to redirect some of its crude oil exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The move is being considered as shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz slows amid ongoing conflict and security concerns in the region.
According to international reports, diverting oil shipments through Yanbu could help exporters bypass potential disruptions in the Gulf while maintaining the flow of crude oil to international markets. For import-dependent economies such as Pakistan, these alternative routes could provide a critical safeguard against supply interruptions.
Pakistan’s energy authorities continue to monitor developments closely while coordinating with international partners to secure stable fuel supplies. The possibility of utilizing the Yanbu route represents part of a broader effort to diversify shipping channels and maintain the continuity of energy imports in a rapidly changing global environment.
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