KARACHI: The looming threat of a fuel crisis in Pakistan, sparked by rising tensions between the US and Iran in the Middle East, has significantly subsided as several oil tankers have begun docking at Port Qasim. The government’s strategic shift to secure energy supplies amid regional instability is showing results. According to Port Qasim authorities, a steady stream of crude oil and petroleum products from Gulf countries is now restoring the national supply chain.
Arrival Schedule and Cargo Details
The administration has confirmed the arrival of multiple vessels at the FOTCO Oil Terminal. The MT New Atropos is already docked with 50,000 metric tons of crude oil from Fujairah, while the MT Esperus II is expected to arrive tomorrow with 55,000 metric tons. Furthermore, the MT C-Clipper is scheduled to dock on March 11 with 34,000 metric tons, and the Torm Gemini is currently at the terminal offloading gas oil. In total, four vessels are bringing over 175,000 metric tons of fuel to the country within a span of three days.
Strategic Rerouting
To counter the volatility in the Middle East, officials revealed that Pakistan has bypassed the Strait of Hormuz, instead utilizing the Red Sea and alternative routes to secure imports from Saudi Arabia, Fujairah, Kuwait, and Singapore. One of the incoming vessels also originated from Oman, ensuring a more stable supply situation.
National Stocks Secured
Sources from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) have stated that once these shipments are fully offloaded, Pakistan’s petroleum reserves will be bolstered to a comfortable 30-day stock, ensuring stability in the domestic market despite global geopolitical pressures.
