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Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said on Friday that Russian officials had “clearly” told Pakistan they would provide discounted crude oil at the same rates as other countries or even lower.
“We are taking talks [with Russia on crude oil] forward,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
His comments came a day after Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s interview in which he said Pakistan “is not pursuing or receiving” any discounted energy from Russia.
Two of the eight different types of oil that Russia has, according to Malik’s news conference, might be utilized by Pakistani refineries.
“We spoke with [officials of these refineries] before departing for Russia. According to PRL (Pakistan Refinery Ltd.), it can utilize up to 50% light crude oil with a Russian origin. Up to 30%, according to Parco (Pak-Arab Refinery Limited). Additionally, Cnergyico claimed that it could use the other six types of crude oil in addition to the two types of light crude oil.” The minster added.
Malik said that as per the team’s discussions with Russian officials, Pakistan would be provided light crude oil at discounted rates which would reduce energy prices in the country.
Earlier, foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan is “not pursuing or receiving” Russian oil at a discounted price.
In an interview with PBS Newshour, Bilawal Bhutto said that Pakistan “is not pursuing or receiving” any discounted energy from Russia but exploring various options. “Pakistan’s infrastructure is not made for Russian oil, though the country could engage with the country on cheap energy in the future,” he added.
