ARKANSAS, Sept 23 (Future Headlines)- Pakistan is embarking on a strategic journey to diversify its energy sources and address the challenges posed by soaring petroleum product prices. One significant step in this direction is the upcoming dialogue with Russia, scheduled for next month. This engagement is aimed at forging a long-term agreement for importing Russian crude oil, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s quest for energy security and sustainability.

A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by Energy Minister Muhammad Ali, is set to participate in an energy conference in Russia from October 10 to October 12. The delegation will utilize this platform to engage with Russian officials on the sidelines, facilitating discussions on critical aspects of energy cooperation between the two nations. The Pakistani delegation’s agenda for this significant visit encompasses various facets of energy collaboration. Key topics for discussion include:

Long-Term Supply of Russian Crude Oil: At the forefront of these discussions is the prospect of establishing a consistent supply of Russian crude oil to Pakistan. This step aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy of diversifying its oil sources, reducing reliance on existing suppliers, and ultimately stabilizing petroleum product prices.

Supply of LNG: LNG (liquefied natural gas) has gained prominence as a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Pakistan seeks to explore opportunities for LNG supply, which can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.

The North-South Gas Pipeline Project: The North-South Gas Pipeline is a significant infrastructure endeavor aimed at transporting natural gas from the country’s northern regions to the southern parts, addressing regional disparities in gas distribution.

In June, the first consignment of Russian crude oil arrived in the country, marking a milestone in energy cooperation between Pakistan and Russia. However, this supply encountered interruptions in the subsequent months. The import of Russian crude oil was initially facilitated by Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL), a key player in the country’s refining sector. PRL stood as Pakistan’s first and only refinery to process Ural oil. Through this refining process, PRL produced 60% of furnace oil, 10% of petrol, and around 10-15% of diesel from the Russian crude.

While the import of Russian crude oil through PRL showcased its commercial viability for the refinery, the impact on end consumer prices in Pakistan was limited. The broader consumer market did not experience a significant reduction in petroleum product prices, primarily because this initiative involved just one refinery. The core challenge lies in achieving economies of scale. For Russian crude oil imports to translate into meaningful benefits for Pakistan, multiple refineries need to participate consistently. A single shipment, as witnessed in the initial phase, may not suffice to influence consumer prices across the nation.

The critical aspiration is to establish a long-term contract for the supply of Russian crude oil. This strategic move has the potential to address Pakistan’s concerns related to the high prices of petroleum products. By securing a stable source of crude oil and expanding its adoption across refineries, Pakistan can mitigate the adverse effects of price volatility in the global energy market.

Amid the dialogue with Russia, it’s essential to note recent developments regarding Russian petroleum exports. Moscow imposed a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel, a measure that has garnered attention globally. However, it’s crucial to understand that this ban primarily pertains to specific petroleum products, not crude oil itself. Russian crude oil supply is expected to continue to different countries in the future, signaling the country’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the global energy market.

In summary, Pakistan’s engagement with Russia on long-term crude oil supply agreements signifies a strategic shift towards energy resilience and sustainability. Diversifying energy sources, especially by incorporating cleaner options like LNG, can contribute to a greener and more environmentally responsible energy sector. However, the true potential lies in the ability to harness Russian crude oil as a consistent and cost-effective energy source. Achieving this vision necessitates the active participation of multiple refineries and the establishment of long-term contracts. Such initiatives are essential steps towards ensuring stable energy prices, reducing dependency on a single source, and fortifying Pakistan’s energy security in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Writing by Sarah White