ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan and the United States have discussed long-term energy supply contracts and American investment in Pakistan’s refinery upgrade programme, as Islamabad works to keep fuel flowing during the conflict in the Middle East.
The talks took place at a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, according to a press release issued on Monday.
Malik briefed Baker on the steps Pakistan has taken to secure its energy supply as the geopolitical situation changes, and on the pressure the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has put on fuel availability.
Baker congratulated Pakistan on how it had managed its fuel supplies, noting that the country had avoided a fuel shortage despite difficult conditions in the region.
The minister said the two countries were already talking about where they could work together, and that Pakistan’s refinery upgrade programme could create investment opportunities for US financial institutions.
Baker said the United States was willing to work closely with Pakistan to meet its energy needs. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for US companies in Pakistan and said she was optimistic about long-term energy supply contracts that could benefit both countries and bring business to American firms.
The managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) told the meeting that US companies had shown interest in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan.
The United States is not the only country pitching gas to Pakistan. In April, Azerbaijan positioned itself as an LNG supplier for the country.
Malik also invited US companies to take part in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF). He thanked the United States for its support and said closer engagement between the two countries would strengthen energy cooperation and Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
