Pakistan Eyes Iranian Crude to Ease Energy Import Costs

The proposal follows a U.S. decision to waive sanctions on Iranian petroleum sales through August 21. By sourcing up to 20% of its petroleum needs from Iran at discounted rates, Pakistan estimates potential savings between $170 million and $340 million. Minister Malik described the move as an extension of the existing brotherhood between the two nations, emphasizing the need to leverage mutual capabilities during a period of regional instability.

Pakistan remains heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy flows, and the recent disruption to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz hit the country’s supply chains hard. While the government maintains that the peak of the crisis has passed, the state LNG importer is still scrambling to secure spot cargoes to manage immediate domestic demand. This urgency underscores the fragility of Pakistan’s energy security as it navigates the ongoing geopolitical friction between Washington and Tehran.