Pakistan Seeks Saudi Oil Route via Yanbu After Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — Pakistan has moved to secure an alternative oil supply route through Saudi Arabia after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor that handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik raised the matter with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki during a meeting on Wednesday, according to a statement from the petroleum division.

Malik briefed the envoy on the rapidly evolving regional situation and its potential impact on global energy markets, noting that most of Pakistan’s oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the government is closely monitoring developments and taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.

The minister emphasized the importance of support from friendly nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, during the crisis. In response, Saudi authorities assured Islamabad that oil shipments could be rerouted through the Red Sea port of Yanbu to help meet Pakistan’s energy requirements.

Malik said practical arrangements were already underway, with one vessel set to be dispatched from Pakistan to Yanbu to lift crude oil. He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would prioritise Pakistan’s needs in facilitating supplies through the alternative route.

Thanking the Kingdom for its continued cooperation, the minister described Saudi Arabia as a steadfast partner in challenging times.

Ambassador Al-Malki reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to supporting Pakistan, saying Saudi Arabia was fully aware of the regional developments and stood ready to meet any emergency energy needs. He described the two countries as brotherly nations that would continue to support each other.

The development comes after Iran issued a strong warning following reported US-Israeli military action. Iranian state media quoted Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, as declaring that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed and that any vessel attempting to pass through would be targeted.

Tehran’s announcement marked its clearest indication yet of intent to block the strategic waterway in response to military escalation. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is considered the world’s most critical oil transit route. Approximately one-fifth of global daily oil consumption moves through the narrow passage, which is about 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point.

The closure threatens to disrupt global energy supplies and could push international crude prices significantly higher.