The Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki in Islamabad to discuss the crisis. He said most of Pakistan’s oil shipments usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the situation highly sensitive for the country. Iran’s closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised serious fears about global oil supply and rising fuel prices.

Malik explained that the government is watching developments daily and working to keep the energy supply chain running smoothly. He stressed that support from brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia is crucial at this critical time.

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Saudi Arabia assured Pakistan that oil can be supplied through its Red Sea port of Yanbu. The minister said one vessel from Pakistan has already been assured dispatch to Yanbu to lift crude oil. He also expressed hope that Saudi authorities would prioritise oil supply for Pakistan.

Malik thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued cooperation during the crisis. In response, the Saudi ambassador said the Kingdom stands firmly with Pakistan and will meet any emergency energy needs. He described both countries as brotherly nations that support each other in difficult times.

The crisis began after Iran warned that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed following the United States-Israel attack. Iranian state media quoted Ebrahim Jabari, adviser to the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, as saying that any ship attempting to cross the strait would be targeted.

This is Iran’s strongest warning so far. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes. Nearly one-fifth of global daily oil consumption passes through this narrow waterway, which is only about 33 kilometres wide at its narrowest point.

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The strait connects major oil-producing countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to global markets. Any long-term closure could sharply increase oil prices and create serious problems for energy-importing countries like Pakistan.