Terms development ‘beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russian Federation’
In a first, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced that a vessel carrying Russian oil finally reached Karachi on Sunday and termed it a “transformative day” for the country.
Taking to twitter, PM Shehbaz wrote, “I have fulfilled another of my promises to the nation. Glad to announce that the first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin oil discharge tomorrow.”
In April, Pakistan placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil under a new deal signed between Islamabad and Moscow. Russian vessel Pure Point — a 183-meter-long oil tanker — carrying 45,000 metric tons of oil docked at birth number 2 at the port.
Expressing his joys on the occasion, the premier said, “We are moving one step at a time toward prosperity, economic growth and energy security and affordability.”
He maintained that this was the first ever Russian oil cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new relationship between Pakistan and Russia.
“I commend all those who remained part of this national endeavour & contributed to translating the promise of Russian oil import into reality,” he added.
A Russian cargo vessel carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil was behind schedule and reached the Omani port of Duqm on June 7.
“The vessel, which was loaded with Ural crude on April 21 at a Russian port, was delayed for 10 days due to technical reasons,” the official added.
“It then arrived at Egypt’s Suez Canal on May 17, where it waited in a long queue for 12 days to cross the canal.”
The remaining 50,000 tons of Russian crude will be transported to Port Qasim on June 20. The authorities had said that they will ensure the safe and smooth arrival of the Russian crude. The official had said the delay in the arrival of Russian crude oil is due to logistical challenges.
“The delay in the arrival of the cargo will not increase the transportation cost as it is already settled with the Russians,” he had said.
“However, if the price of crude oil in the meanwhile goes down, then it will be detrimental to the country.” Pakistan Refinery Limited will refine the test cargo of Russian crude oil, blending it with crude imported from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Aramco.
