Pakistan is considering contingency measures to safeguard its energy supplies if disruptions in the Hormuz Strait persist beyond 10 to 12 days. Officials are weighing the option of requesting inclusion in Saudi Arabia’s preferred crude buyers list for shipments routed through the Red Sea, should tensions in the Gulf region continue to threaten traffic via Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoints.
Roughly 20 to 21 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products — nearly a fifth of global consumption — passed through Hormuz in 2023-24. Additionally, about 20% of global LNG trade, largely from Qatar and the UAE, moves through the same corridor toward Asian markets. Analysts caution that a prolonged blockage of Hormuz could push oil prices to $100–$150 per barrel.
Pakistan remains heavily dependent on Gulf energy routes linked to Hormuz. The country imports LNG from Qatar, diesel from Kuwait, and most of its crude from ADNOC, with shipments typically crossing the strait. Currently, two crude tankers destined for Pakistan are stuck in Hormuz, while another shipment is unlikely to depart under current conditions. LPG imports have also slowed, raising concerns about domestic price hikes.
Although two LNG cargoes that passed Hormuz earlier are expected soon, offering short-term relief, officials warn that extended instability could strain supplies. Pakistan holds about 30 days of petrol and diesel reserves, but prolonged disruption at Hormuz may force costly spot-market purchases.
If required, Islamabad may formally approach Saudi Arabia to route crude via its East-West pipeline, bypassing Hormuz entirely. While this could help sustain refinery operations, LNG supplies would remain vulnerable. A lengthy closure of Hormuz risks fueling inflation, widening the current account deficit, and intensifying economic pressures.
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