Pakistan’s largest refiner, Cnergyico, has signed a deal to import one million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude from the United States later this month. The cargo will be shipped from Houston and is expected to arrive in Karachi in the second half of October. This marks the first-ever purchase of US crude by Pakistan. The move follows months of negotiations that began in April, prompted by rising U.S. tariffs on Pakistani exports.
Officials view this as a strategic diversification of oil sources and a diplomatic tool to ease trade tensions. If this initial spot cargo proves commercially viable, Pakistan may import a similar shipment monthly. The country’s existing infrastructure, including Cnergyico’s deep-sea single-point mooring terminal, is well-equipped to handle large tankers.
Cnergyico to bring first-ever US crude oil to Pakistan in October, importing one million barrels of WTI light crude via a Vitol deal, marking historic diversification of supply. The agreement—negotiated after U.S. imposed tariffs—could lead to monthly imports if viable. Analysts view it as a diplomatic move to counter tariff threats and expand energy partnership under a broader US‑Pakistan trade deal. Pakistan aims to leverage the deal to reduce trade imbalance and enhance bilateral cooperation.
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