Pakistan could be among the countries eligible to benefit from a temporary United States license allowing selected energy vulnerable nations to access stranded Russian oil supplies, according to international media reports.
The United States Department of the Treasury has issued a 30-day general license aimed at easing immediate pressure in global crude oil markets. The move allows vulnerable countries temporary access to Russian oil cargoes currently stranded at sea in an effort to stabilize international energy supplies.
According to reports, Pakistan may qualify under the arrangement due to its growing energy needs and dependence on imported fuel. However, experts believe the country could face challenges in fully utilizing the opportunity because of limited experience in handling large-scale Russian crude imports and refinery compatibility concerns.
The development comes as Pakistan continues to search for ways to reduce its rising import bill and secure affordable fuel supplies. The country recorded a historic crude oil import bill of US$964 million in April 2026, highlighting its heavy exposure to fluctuations in global oil prices and foreign exchange pressures.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measure in a statement shared on X. He said the temporary license would provide additional flexibility to vulnerable countries while Washington works on specific licensing arrangements where required.
According to Bessent, the initiative is designed to stabilize the physical crude oil market and ensure energy supplies reach countries facing serious energy security challenges. He also claimed the move could limit China from accumulating discounted Russian crude inventories by redirecting supplies toward countries with urgent energy needs.
Pakistan has previously imported limited quantities of Russian crude oil, but analysts say the country has not yet developed large-scale procurement systems similar to major buyers. Experts believe Pakistan’s ability to benefit from the temporary US measure will largely depend on logistics, refinery adjustments, commercial feasibility, and government policy decisions in the coming weeks.
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