In a landmark development for Pakistan’s energy sector, the country has received its first-ever shipment of crude oil from the United States, marking a significant step forward in trade relations between the two nations.
The historic cargo arrived on Wednesday aboard the Suezmax vessel MT Pegasus, which docked at Cnergyico’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal Pakistan’s only offshore crude-handling facility located along the coast of Balochistan.
According to Cnergyico Pk Limited Vice Chairman Usama Qureshi, this first consignment represents an important milestone not only for the company but also for Pakistan’s energy diversification efforts. “The arrival of Pakistan’s first-ever US crude oil cargo marks an important milestone for the country’s energy sector and for Cnergyico,” Qureshi said in a statement.
He added that two more shipments are scheduled to follow, one in mid-November and another in January 2026. Collectively, these cargoes are expected to improve Pakistan’s trade balance with the United States by approximately $200 million.
Qureshi emphasized that the SPM facility allows the company to handle large vessels efficiently, cutting down logistics costs and enhancing refinery operations. “These imports not only diversify Pakistan’s crude supply but also strengthen bilateral trade ties and contribute to the country’s long-term energy security,” he noted.
Cnergyico first placed an order for US crude in August through global energy trader Vitol, agreeing to import 1 million barrels this month. The company later confirmed a second purchase after finding the initial deal commercially viable, setting the stage for continued imports in the future.
This move follows Cnergyico’s 2023 purchase of the country’s first private-sector shipment of Russian crude oil, a deal that leveraged discounted oil rates offered by Moscow. The company’s latest import from the US now signals a broader strategy to diversify Pakistan’s energy sources while strengthening global trade partnerships.
