By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has pledged to provide full logistical support for diesel and jet fuel shipments to Pakistan, ending a supply impasse caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
The commitment followed Iran’s approval for 20 Pakistani-flagged cargoes to transit the strait, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. The move revives a critical supply line for Pakistan, which sources more than 60% of its diesel imports from Kuwait under a long-term contract between state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corp. and Pakistan State Oil.
Rerouting tankers via alternative paths has already added significant freight costs to Pakistan’s energy imports, straining the country’s finances at a time of tight foreign-exchange reserves.
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi, in Islamabad on Monday to review bilateral relations, energy cooperation and the broader regional situation, according to an official statement issued after the talks. Malik thanked Kuwait Petroleum Corp. for guaranteeing smooth loading operations for Pakistani-flagged vessels carrying diesel and jet fuel from Kuwaiti ports, the statement said. He expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s “continued support for Pakistan despite global and regional challenges” and its contribution to the country’s energy security.
The minister asked the ambassador to pass on his personal regards to Kuwait’s Oil Minister Tariq Suleiman Ahmed Al-Roumi and Kuwait Petroleum Corp. Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Nawaf Al Sabah. Malik described the relationship between the two countries as “historic and brotherly,” adding that the ties are “not only longstanding but also connected by hearts,” the statement said. He noted that Pakistan has purchased petroleum products — particularly diesel — from Kuwait for the past five decades, underscoring the durability of the partnership.
“Pakistan wishes to see all brotherly countries remain peaceful and secure,” Malik said, according to the statement. He highlighted that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is personally overseeing efforts to supply food and essential commodities to Gulf Cooperation Council nations while pushing for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Kuwaiti ambassador expressed “sincerest gratitude” for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace. He commended the efforts of Pakistan’s people, government and armed forces, saying the country had shown “leadership in rejecting the use of force and in promoting peaceful solutions during difficult times.” “Kuwait is proud of Pakistan’s efforts and prays for their success,” Ambassador Almutairi said, according to the statement.
He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting Pakistan. Both sides agreed to keep channels open and expand cooperation in the energy sector and other areas of mutual interest, the statement added.
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