Kuwait to use Pakistani ships for fuel supply

Iran clears way for 20 cargoes; vessels will bring diesel and jet fuel

ISLAMABAD:

Kuwait has agreed to use Pakistani ships for diesel and jet fuel supply after Iran assured Pakistan of safe passage for 20 oil cargoes.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), through an agreement with Pakistan State Oil, regularly ships oil to Pakistan. However, shipments came to a halt after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the beginning of war with the United States and Israel.

"Now, Pakistan has conveyed Kuwait that Pakistani ships can bring oil from the Gulf Arab nation as Iran has cleared the way for shipments. In response, KPC has given its consent," an official told The Express Tribune.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Monday held a meeting with Kuwait Ambassador Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi to discuss bilateral ties, energy cooperation and regional developments.

Ali Pervaiz praised KPC for assuring Pakistan of full facilitation to its vessels for diesel and jet fuel shipments from Kuwait. He acknowledged Kuwait's continued support for Pakistan despite global and regional challenges and appreciated Kuwait's contribution to Pakistan's energy security.

During the meeting, the federal minister highlighted that relations between Pakistan and Kuwait were not only longstanding but also "connected by hearts." For the past five decades, Pakistan has been purchasing petroleum products, particularly diesel, from Kuwait, reflecting the enduring trust and partnership between the two nations.

Speaking about regional peace and stability, Ali Pervaiz emphasised that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was actively working to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the regional conflict and was overseeing efforts to ensure the supply of food and essential commodities, as required by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.