Pakistan is set to receive its first-ever shipment of crude oil from the United States this October, marking a major milestone in energy trade between the two countries. The shipment will be imported by Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, which plans to bring in 1 million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude from the US energy trading firm Vitol.
According to Cnergyico’s Vice Chairman Usama Qureshi, the crude oil will be loaded from Houston this month and is expected to reach Karachi in the second half of October. The delivery represents a test cargo under a broader umbrella agreement with Vitol and is not intended for resale. If the venture proves commercially viable, the company may proceed with regular monthly imports of US crude.
This development follows several months of negotiation, which began in April after US President Donald Trump announced a potential 29% tariff on Pakistani imports. Following the announcement, Pakistan’s finance and petroleum ministries encouraged domestic refiners to explore new crude sources beyond traditional suppliers in the Middle East.
The agreement comes on the heels of a broader trade deal between Pakistan and the United States, which Pakistani officials say will reduce tariffs and encourage increased investment. Specific details on revised duties for Pakistani exports, however, have not yet been disclosed.
The import of US crude is a strategic step for Pakistan as it aims to diversify its energy sources. Oil is the country’s largest import, accounting for nearly 20% of its total import bill. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, oil imports were valued at approximately $11.3 billion. Traditionally, almost all of Pakistan’s crude oil has come from the Middle East.
Qureshi confirmed that WTI light crude offers refining margins comparable to Gulf crude grades, and can be processed without any blending or changes to existing refinery infrastructure. This operational convenience strengthens the case for expanding US crude imports in the future.
Cnergyico currently operates a refining capacity of 156,000 barrels per day and runs the only single-point mooring terminal in Pakistan, located near Karachi. This terminal allows the handling of large oil tankers, a capability not shared by other refineries in the country. The company also has plans to construct a second offshore terminal to facilitate larger and more frequent shipments and intends to upgrade its refinery over the next five to six years.
Due to subdued domestic demand, Cnergyico has been operating at around 30–35% of its full capacity. However, the company anticipates improved run rates in the near future as local demand picks up and domestically refined products are prioritized over imported fuels.
In a recent statement, President Trump also indicated that the United States would assist Pakistan in developing its domestic oil reserves, though no further details were provided.
The strategic oil import move not only broadens Pakistan’s energy portfolio but also signals a shift in international alignments, reflecting Islamabad’s recent diplomatic tilt toward Washington. It also enhances the country’s energy security by reducing over-reliance on a single region for crude oil supplies.
