In October 2025, the United States will ship its first crude oil to Pakistan in a deal between Pakistani refiner, Cnergyico, and global energy trader, Vitol. The cargo consists of one million barrels of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude, which will load in Houston and scheduled to reach Karachi Port in second half of October.
This is along with a new energy and trade deal signed between Pakistan and the United States in July 2025. The shipment will be used as test cargo and in case it is commercially viable, the company is to proceed with monthly U.S. crude importation at Cnergyico. The refinery stated officially that no technical changes or mix are required to handle the WTI crude and that the gross refining margins are in line with Middle Eastern grades.
Cnergyico operates Pakistan’s largest refinery with a capacity of 156,000 barrels per day and manages the country’s only Single Point Mooring terminal, which allows it to receive Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). The company is also planning to install a second offshore terminal and upgrade its facilities over the next five to six years.
This oil consignment comes in line with a more comprehensive trade agreement between the United States and Pakistan that also incorporates a change in tariffs on Pakistani exports to America. The new policy has brought down the tariffs to 19%. The pact will help Pakistan enhance its energy security and broaden the range of its oil imports, which so far were very narrow with reference to the Middle East.
There is also the possibility of U.S. assistance in exploring the offshore oil fields of Pakistan stated in the agreement. Despite this, there have been no proven or commercially viable sources so far found and exploration is in its early exploration stage.
