Kuwait has assured full facilitation in the supply of diesel and jet fuel to Pakistan as shipments remain affected due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Iran has allowed 20 cargoes carrying Pakistani flags to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, an announcement made earlier by Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Pakistan imports more than 60 percent of its diesel from Kuwait under a long-term contract between the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
Alternative shipping routes, introduced after the disruption, have increased freight costs for Pakistan, according to officials.
On Monday, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met Kuwait’s Ambassador Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi in Islamabad to discuss bilateral relations, energy cooperation and regional developments.
According to an official statement, the minister expressed gratitude to KPC for assuring full facilitation to Pakistani-flagged vessels for any likely lifting of diesel and jet fuel from Kuwait.
The statement added that he appreciated Kuwait’s “continued support for Pakistan despite global and regional challenges” and its contribution toward Pakistan’s energy security.
It further said Malik highlighted that the relationship between the two countries is not only longstanding but also connected by hearts, referring to decades of petroleum imports from Kuwait.
The minister noted that Pakistan had been purchasing petroleum products, particularly diesel, from Kuwait for the past five decades, reflecting what the statement described as “enduring trust and partnership”.
He also said: “Pakistan wishes to see all brotherly countries remain peaceful and secure.”
He added that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif was actively working to facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflict and was “personally overseeing efforts aimed at facilitating the supply of food and essential commodities as required by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.”
The Kuwaiti envoy, according to the statement, said that he appreciated Pakistan’s role during regional tensions, noting that Pakistan had demonstrated leadership in rejecting the use of force and in promoting peaceful solutions during difficult times.
Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged to further strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and other areas of mutual interest.