In a significant shift from its traditional oil supply routes, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) is preparing to receive its first-ever shipment of Nigerian Bonny Light crude oil this September, according to industry insiders.

The 500,000-barrel cargo—sourced via leading energy trader Vitol—is expected to be loaded later this month, with delivery scheduled for late September at the Karachi port. While pricing details remain undisclosed, the move marks a strategic diversification away from Pakistan’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern crude.

Historically, nearly all of Pakistan’s oil imports have come from regional giants like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. But recent months have seen a growing trend among Asian refiners, including Pakistan, turning their attention to alternatives such as U.S. West Texas Intermediate and Kazakh CPC Blend, largely driven by rising costs associated with Middle Eastern supply.

This upcoming Nigerian crude delivery follows on the heels of Pakistan’s first-ever U.S. oil deal, also brokered through Vitol, which will be supplied to Cnergyico and is expected to arrive in October.

Although Pakistan previously brought in Nigerian Yoho crude back in 2014, this is the country’s first known import of Bonny Light—a highly sought-after light-sweet crude prized for its high output of gasoline and diesel.

Crude oil remains Pakistan’s top import item. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the nation spent $11.3 billion on crude and petroleum products—nearly 20% of its total import expenditure.

Neither Vitol nor PRL has officially commented on the development.