Pakistan is considering importing crude oil from Libya as it seeks to diversify its energy supplies amid disruptions to shipments from the Middle East.
The proposal followed discussions between Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 12.
According to Radio Pakistan, both countries agreed to strengthen energy cooperation and explore ways to facilitate crude oil supplies from Libya to Pakistani companies.
Malik said Pakistan was encouraging domestic refineries to consider purchasing Libyan crude, while Libya expressed willingness to support supplies to interested buyers.
The ministers also discussed sharing technical expertise to improve refinery operations. However, neither country announced a final supply agreement, shipment volumes or delivery dates.
Pakistan’s move comes as disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns about the security of its energy supplies. The country relies heavily on imported petroleum, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In August, Reuters reported that Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, was increasing imports of American crude to reduce its dependence on shipments passing through the strategic waterway.
The company imported 8.1 million barrels of US crude, valued at approximately $750m, during the financial year ended June 2026.
A potential arrangement with Libya could give Pakistan another source of crude, although any deal will depend on pricing, transportation costs and the suitability of the oil for Pakistani refineries.
For Libya, the discussions offer an opportunity to expand its customer base as the country works to restore production following years of political instability and disruptions to its oil industry.
Libya produced about 1.34 million barrels of crude oil per day in September 2026, compared with 1.40 million barrels per day in August. Production had reached 1.44 million barrels per day in June, its highest level since 2013.
Despite the decline in output, Libya’s oil revenue transferred to its sovereign account rose to $2.86bn in September from $2.56bn in August.
The country has also attracted buyers from across Africa. Nigeria imported approximately two million barrels of Libyan crude in May, while Egypt resumed purchases in 2026 after suspending imports for several years. Tunisia has also increased its purchases.
European countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Greece, remain important markets for Libyan crude.
If an agreement is reached, Pakistan would become another potential destination for Libyan oil, extending the North African producer’s reach into Asia.
