ISLAMABAD – Fuel-hit Pakistan is now considering major expansion of oil imports from Russia in a move that could reshape the country’s energy strategy and regional alliances as Hormuz closure and record increase in prices dented oil supply of the country of around 250 million.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, revealed that Islamabad is actively searching for alternatives to Gulf energy supplies as the Hormuz crisis threatens the country’s economic stability. “Islamabad produces only around 10% of the energy it needs,” he said, warning that the country remains overwhelmingly dependent on imported fuel, most of it coming from Gulf nations. With oil shipments disrupted and uncertainty growing in the region, officials in Islamabad now see Russian crude as a possible lifeline.
The crisis erupted after Iran shut down Strait of Hormuz following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel between February 28 and April 8. Although a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire temporarily reduced tensions, negotiations over a permanent settlement remain deadlocked, particularly over the issue of blockades and access to Hormuz.
The closure of the strait sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports normally pass through this narrow but strategically critical waterway, making it one of the most important trade routes on Earth.
Petrol Price in Pakistan
The Sharif-led government increased petrol prices from Rs399.86 to Rs414.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel rose from Rs399.58 to Rs414.58 per litre. At the same time, petroleum levies were sharply raised.
The levy on petrol jumped from Rs103.50 to Rs117.41 per litre, while diesel levies surged from Rs28.69 to Rs42.60 per litre, according to officials from the Petroleum Division.
As inflationary pressure intensifies, Islamabad appears determined to diversify its energy partnerships before the crisis worsens further.
Amabassador Tirmazi disclosed that Pakistan is not only considering increased Russian oil imports but is also exploring long-term infrastructure projects connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia. These plans could eventually include pipelines, rail links, road corridors, and wider economic integration across the Eurasian region.
“This could mean connecting the Eurasian space through roads, railways, pipelines, humanitarian contacts, and academic ties,” the ambassador said, describing the vision as part of a broader regional transformation strategy.
For years, Pakistan relied almost entirely on Middle Eastern suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE for crude oil imports. Between 2015 and 2022, imports from Russia were either negligible or completely absent. However, the global energy landscape began to shift after the Ukraine conflict triggered sanctions, market disruptions, and discounted Russian oil offers.
Pakistan’s first Russian crude shipments arrived in mid-2023. Trade figures indicate that the country imported approximately US$47.63 million worth of Russian crude that year, with additional shipments continuing intermittently afterward. Some cargoes reportedly carried around 100,000 metric tonnes, or nearly 730,000 barrels, at a time.
Despite Islamabad’s ambitious goal of importing as much as 100,000 barrels per day from Russia major hurdles continue to slow progress.
Industry experts point to refinery compatibility issues, higher fuel-oil yields from Russian crude, limited port handling capacity, insurance complications, and payment restrictions as key obstacles preventing large-scale imports.
Even so, analysts believe the Hormuz crisis may accelerate Pakistan’s push toward Russian energy as policymakers race to secure stable supplies and shield the economy from further shocks.
Petrol Price comparison shows Pakistan far above Neighbouring Countries in Fuel Cost
