Saudi pledges oil support to Pakistan via Yanbu

March 04, 2026 (MLN): Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan of full support in securing an alternative oil supply route through the Yanbu Port.

The development comes after disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global route through which a significant share of the world’s oil and most of Pakistan’s fuel imports pass, raising concerns about supply security for import-dependent economies.

During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed hope that Pakistan would be given priority in crude oil supplies from the port.

The minister said Saudi sources have assured the security of supply and confirmed that a ship from Pakistan will be dispatched to Yanbu for crude oil. He also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support.

He further noted that most of Pakistan’s energy imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz and that the government is closely monitoring the evolving regional situation to ensure continuity of supplies.

Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the government is making efforts to ensure the continuity of the energy supply chain for the people, according to Radio Pakistan.

The Saudi Ambassador assured that full cooperation would continue in case of any emergency and stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will stand by each other during times of trial.

Saudi are also exploring the diversion of some crude exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu to bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as shipping in the region slows due to the ongoing conflict, according to Reuters. 

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