On Tuesday, Pakistan received second shipment of US crude oil. It marks a significant move toward energy diversification and cost efficiency. It is part of the Pakistan-US trade deal brokered recently after Donald Trump threatened to enhance tariffs.
The vessel MT Albany arrived at Cnergyico’s offshore Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal near Hub, Balochistan, on November 10, 2025. The tanker carried one million barrels of premium West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude.
This shipment follows Pakistan’s first U.S. crude import in October and precedes a third cargo scheduled for January 2026.
Over $200 Million Investment in Energy Diversification
Together, the three shipments represent an investment exceeding $200 million. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s strategic effort to reduce reliance on traditional Middle Eastern oil suppliers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Part of a Broader U.S.-Pakistan Trade Expansion
The crude imports form part of a wider U.S.-Pakistan trade agreement designed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. The success of this venture depends largely on Cnergyico’s deep-water SPM terminal, one of Pakistan’s most advanced oil-handling facilities.
Cnergyico’s SPM Terminal Enables Large-Scale Imports
Unlike Karachi’s shallow ports, the SPM terminal near Hub can accommodate large Aframax and Suezmax tankers. This capability allows the import of larger cargoes, significantly cutting per-barrel freight costs and making long-haul shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast financially viable.
WTI Crude Offers Cost and Environmental Benefits
WTI crude, known for being light and sweet, is cheaper and easier to refine into high-value fuels like gasoline and diesel. It also produces fewer emissions, aligning with global clean-energy trends.
WTI’s Price Advantage Strengthens Pakistan’s Refining Economics
WTI crude often trades at a discount to the Dubai/Oman benchmark used for Middle Eastern oil pricing. This pricing difference helps offset higher transportation costs, making U.S. crude a competitive option for Pakistani refiners.
By purchasing US crude oil, Pakistan is diversifying its energy base and improving trade balance with the United States, which is the largest export destination for Pakistan..
