ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has assured Pakistan of full support in securing an alternative crude oil supply route through the Yanbu port on the Red Sea, as Islamabad moves to safeguard energy supplies amid widening regional disruptions, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy.
The assurance was conveyed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki in Islamabad.
Pakistan requested access to an alternative supply corridor via Yanbu Port, following mounting instability affecting traditional energy transit routes.
Saudi Arabia, officials said, responded by assuring uninterrupted cooperation and logistical support.
“Saudi sources have assured the security of supply through the Yanbu port in the Red Sea,” the state broadcaster reported, adding that a commitment had been made to dispatch a Pakistani vessel to lift crude oil from the port.
Malik expressed gratitude for Riyadh’s backing, saying the government was taking all necessary measures to ensure continuity of the national energy supply chain.
“The government is taking steps to ensure the uninterrupted supply of energy to the public,” Radio Pakistan quoted the petroleum minister as saying.
The Saudi ambassador reaffirmed that cooperation would continue in any emergency situation, underscoring what officials described as a long-standing partnership.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will stand by each other during times of trial,” he said.
The development comes as Pakistan reviews contingency plans to shield critical imports from fallout linked to escalating tensions across the Middle East, with energy security emerging as a top priority for policymakers.
