Pakistan Receives First-Ever Shipment of US Crude Oil
- Largest-ever crude vessel docks at Hub, Balochistan, signaling new era in Pak-US energy cooperation
Pakistan on Wednesday received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil, carrying one million barrels, in a landmark development that underscores a new chapter in the country’s energy and trade relations with Washington.
The vessel, MT Pegasus, departed from Houston, Texas, on September 14 and docked at Cnergyico’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility in Hub, Balochistan, after completing a transoceanic journey. Officials said it was the largest crude oil vessel ever to berth at a Pakistani port, setting a new benchmark for maritime operations.
The delivery comes nearly three months after Pakistan and the United States signed a landmark trade agreement on July 31, 2025, aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, technology, and investment. The Ministry of Finance said the deal also focuses on reducing tariffs on Pakistani exports to the US to promote balanced economic growth.
Cnergyico, which managed the import, said the successful arrival “demonstrates growing trust between the two nations in energy collaboration.” The company confirmed that a second US crude cargo is expected to arrive in mid-November, followed by a third shipment in 2026, marking continuity in the newly forged trade relationship.
Former US President Donald Trump, who announced the trade pact on his Truth Social platform, described it as a strategic partnership aimed at developing Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” Analysts view the move as a significant breakthrough that could reshape Pakistan’s economic outlook and advance its energy independence goals.
Industry experts say the arrival of MT Pegasus represents more than a fuel delivery—it symbolizes Pakistan’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and attracting foreign investment in its struggling energy sector.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with chronic energy shortages and rising import costs, this US-Pakistan energy cooperation could pave the way for greater market stability, industrial growth, and regional influence in the global oil trade.
