Pakistan, US Agree to Strengthen Energy Cooperation, Explore LNG Supply Deals
Islamabad discusses long-term energy contracts, refinery upgrades and investment opportunities with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker
ISLAMABAD: (News Pulse) Pakistan and the United States have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with discussions focusing on energy security, liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, refinery upgradation and investment opportunities.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who discussed avenues for closer collaboration to address Pakistan’s energy needs and strengthen long-term supply arrangements.
During the meeting, the petroleum minister briefed the US diplomat on measures taken by Pakistan to ensure energy security amid the evolving geopolitical situation. He said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had created challenges for fuel availability, requiring proactive steps to maintain uninterrupted supplies.
Baker congratulated Pakistan on managing its fuel supply situation, noting that the country had avoided fuel shortages despite the challenging regional circumstances. She expressed the United States’ desire to work closely with Pakistan to help meet its energy requirements.
Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to securing reliable energy supplies and highlighted ongoing engagement between the relevant teams of the two countries to identify areas of mutual cooperation.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme as a potential avenue for investment by US financial institutions, saying greater bilateral engagement could help mobilise investment and support the development of the country’s energy infrastructure.
The US Chargé d’Affaires emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for American companies in Pakistan and expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts. She noted that such arrangements could benefit both countries while opening new business opportunities for US companies.
During the meeting, the managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) briefed the participants on the interest shown by US companies in supplying LNG to Pakistan.
The discussions highlighted the potential for greater commercial engagement in the LNG market, as Pakistan seeks to strengthen the reliability of its energy supplies and explore additional sources to meet domestic demand.
Malik also invited US companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), drawing attention to investment opportunities in the country’s minerals sector.
The minister expressed appreciation for US support and stressed that stronger bilateral engagement could help expand energy cooperation and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Islamabad and Washington to broaden economic cooperation, with energy emerging as a key area for potential investment, commercial partnerships and long-term supply arrangements.
