Pakistan asks US financiers to fund oil refinery upgrades amid regional fuel challenges

In Islamabad, Pakistan's petroleum minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker discussed expanding energy collaboration between the two nations. Malik outlined measures the government is implementing to maintain energy security amid the evolving geopolitical climate, noting that regional conflicts have strained fuel supplies. He presented the refinery upgradation programme as a potential investment avenue for US financial institutions, estimating about $5 billion will be needed over five years.

Baker congratulated Pakistan on avoiding fuel shortages and signaled US willingness to support its energy needs through long-term contracts and opportunities for American firms. Representatives from Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited also briefed the delegation on US interest in LNG supplies, and Malik invited US companies to the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.