Pakistan Diversifies Oil Imports with First Nigerian Crude Shipment
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Oil remains Pakistan’s largest import, making up around 20% of the country’s total import bill. Traditionally dependent on the Middle East for its crude oil needs, Pakistan is now shifting its sourcing strategy in search of cheaper alternatives due to rising regional costs. Pakistan Refinery Limited is set to receive its first-ever shipment of Nigerian Bonny Light crude from global trader Vitol in September. The shipment, totaling 500,000 barrels, will arrive in Karachi, initial purchase of this high-quality, light-sweet crude, which is valued for its high yields of gasoline and diesel of Pakistan. This development reflects a broader trend among Asian refiners who are increasingly turning to non-Middle Eastern sources in search of better pricing. The Nigerian shipment will be followed by Pakistan’s first import of U.S. crude oil, scheduled to arrive in October. Alongside Nigerian and U.S. supplies, Pakistan has also shown interest in other alternatives such as U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Kazakhstan’s CPC Blend, highlighting a growing diversification in the country’s crude import portfolio.
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To boost maritime connectivity and regional integration, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has permitted the first ferry service license to a UK-based international ferry operator, Sea Keepers International. The new route will link Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, boosting cross-border travel and trade. To ensure full compliance of the project according to the international maritime laws, the Research Centre for International Maritime Law & Practice has been appointed as the official maritime law consultant by the government. The Centre will deliver legal and regulatory proficiency to navigate complex maritime frameworks, improve safety protocols, and encourage sustainable practices in line with global norms. The ferry initiative is an investment in Pakistan’s blue economy, offering new opportunities in tourism, trade, and regional cooperation. Sea Keepers International’s entry into the region is seen as a catalyst for unlocking untapped maritime potential and promoting broader economic growth through seaborne connectivity.
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Pakistan Appoints Maritime Law Consultant
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Deepen Pakistan – UAE Maritime and Logistics Ties
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New partnerships that align with national vision and contribute to the long-term expansion of maritime infrastructure, the inauguration of the AD Ports Group office in Islamabad, step forward in firming maritime and logistics collaboration between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The AD Ports Group’s expanding presence in Pakistan—particularly in enhancing port operations—demonstrates a strong commitment for driving efficiency and innovation within maritime sector of Pakistan. As Pakistan continues its journey toward building a modern, competitive, and connected maritime industry, the collaboration has yielded tangible outcomes, including improved operational efficiency, reduced vessel turnaround times, and increased cargo throughput. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs remains fully committed to supporting initiatives that bring value, expertise, investment to the sector and deepen partnership between two countries and underlines a shared vision to reshape the regional maritime and logistics landscape.
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Pakistan is exploring the large-scale cultivation of castor—a low-input, high-yield crop exclusively appropriate to the country’s arid and semi-arid regions. The Ministry of National Food Security has identified castor as a promising avenue to increase export potential, progress farmer livelihoods, and optimize underutilized land. Castor’s ability to thrive in barren areas where conventional crops struggle makes and is currently commanding a market price of Rs7,000 per 40kg, outperforming most traditional crops in profitability. Momentum is building with the involvement of a Chinese partner, which has pledged to supply high-quality hybrid seeds capable of doubling yields from the current and willingness to sign formal agreements with local farmers to purchase the entire castor harvest at pre-agreed prices, reducing market risk and encouraging wider participation. With global demand rising across industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, and biofuels, Pakistan is positioning to become a competitive player in the international castor oil market.
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Pakistan Eyes Castor Cultivation
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Gwadar Port signs deal with Xinning Enterprise
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The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with reputable international enterprises to advance Pakistan’s maritime and economic objectives. In a development, the GPA has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Chinese firm Xinning Enterprise to encourage industrial and commercial investments at Gwadar Port and its Free Zone. The agreement objects to identify new investment opportunities, expand the port’s operational capacity, support the transformation of Gwadar into a global maritime gateway and ensure all activities align with Pakistan’s legal and regulatory framework. Critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gwadar Port is being developed as a central hub to boost regional connectivity, increased maritime trade, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
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Pakistan and Romania in with discussions focused on joint ventures in software development, strengthening bilateral ties in science, technology, and innovation intended at the European Union (EU) and Gulf markets. To explore avenues with a focus on the IT sector for expanding cooperation in IT, education, and digital transformation, suggested establishing a Romania-Pakistan Science and Technology Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Romania’s National Authority for digitalization and Research has been proposed to sign. Romania offered to support Pakistan’s involvement in key EU-funded programs such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and the Digital Europe Program. The collaboration supposed to provide opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and space technology, benefiting both countries.
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Pakistan, Romania Explore Joint Ventures
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National Assembly passes Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill
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The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025, integrating 18 key amendments intended at enhancing the transportation of goods and travelling of passengers and strengthening trade and border control mechanisms across the country. The legislation lays the foundation for a comprehensive regulatory framework to declare, manage, secure, and oversee land ports throughout Pakistan. It envisions the creation of a 16-member Governing Council tasked with supervising the newly established Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA). Key objectives of the bill include, facilitating efficient cross-border trade and travel, enhancing coordination among border control agencies, aligning land port operations with international trade and security standards and improving infrastructure and trade facilitation services at border points. The PLPA streamline land port operations, improving logistical efficiency, and enhancing Pakistan’s regional competitiveness in land-based trade. Once implemented, improve border management, reduce delays in goods movement, and support Pakistan’s integration into regional and global trade corridors.
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The Government has established a new customs port at the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) Border Terminal in Angoor Adda, located on the border between South Waziristan, Pakistan, and Paktika Province, Afghanistan. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to modernize border infrastructure, streamline customs procedures, and enhance cross-border trade with Afghanistan. The NLC Border Terminal, spanning 194.5 Kanals, is now designated as a formal customs port. Given its strategic location, a vital role in facilitating trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan by reducing customs clearance delays, improving logistics and cargo handling operations, enhancing transparency and revenue collection and reducing smuggling and informal trade routes. The development is the government’s commitment to boost regional connectivity and economic growth through modern, secure, and efficient trade infrastructure.
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Pakistan to strengthen ties with Morocco
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