ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia to help secure crude oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened its main energy route, the petroleum ministry said on Wednesday.
The request followed the shutdown of the strategic waterway between Iran and Oman amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Israel. The disruption has halted tanker traffic through one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.
Nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The route carries exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Pakistan depends heavily on Middle Eastern crude, with most of its energy imports transiting the strait. Any prolonged closure poses a serious risk to domestic fuel supplies.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik discussed contingency measures during a meeting in Islamabad with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.
According to a statement from the minister’s office, Saudi Arabia indicated it could facilitate shipments through Yanbu on the Red Sea if Gulf shipping lanes remain disrupted.
“Saudi Arabian sources have assured security of supplies through the Port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, which can help meet energy requirements,” the statement said.
Malik said Pakistan is monitoring developments daily, noting that the majority of the country’s energy supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Saudi ambassador reaffirmed Riyadh’s support. He said the Kingdom understands the evolving situation and will stand with Pakistan to meet emergency energy needs.
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Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s key energy suppliers, underscoring the deep economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
