RIYADH: Pakistan has encouraged domestic oil refineries to explore the possibility of importing crude oil from Libya as part of efforts to diversify energy supplies, strengthen energy security and reduce the risks posed by potential disruptions to global supply routes.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, on the sidelines of the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sectors.
During the meeting, Ali Pervaiz Malik informed his Libyan counterpart that Pakistan had encouraged local refineries to explore potential imports of Libyan crude oil. He stressed the importance of diversifying crude oil supply sources to ensure a reliable energy supply, particularly in the event of disruptions to key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas described Pakistan as an important partner for his country and said he would encourage Libya’s national oil company to consider increasing crude oil supplies to Pakistani companies.
He also said Libya planned to modernise its oil refineries and expressed interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s experience in refinery upgrades.
The discussions are expected to open up further opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and Libya in the energy sector, particularly in crude oil supplies and refinery modernisation.
