Pakistan could be among the countries eligible to benefit from a new temporary United States license allowing selected energy vulnerable nations to access Russian oil.
The US Department of the Treasury has issued a 30-day general license aimed at easing immediate supply pressures in global crude markets by allowing vulnerable countries temporary access to Russian oil cargoes currently stranded at sea.
The measure is intended to support nations facing energy security challenges while helping stabilize international oil supplies.
According to Dawn, Pakistan may qualify under the arrangement, although it cautioned that the country could face difficulties in fully utilizing the opportunity. Pakistan has limited experience importing Russian crude on a large commercial scale and may lack sufficient refining capacity to efficiently process significant volumes of Russian oil.
The development comes at a time when Pakistan remains heavily dependent on imported energy and is seeking ways to contain its import bill. The country recorded a historic crude oil import bill of US$964 million in April 2026, highlighting its exposure to fluctuations in global energy markets and the importance of securing cost-effective fuel supplies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measure in a statement posted on X, saying the department was issuing a temporary 30-day general license to provide vulnerable nations with access to Russian oil currently stranded at sea. He said the initiative would offer additional flexibility while the United States works with eligible countries on specific licensing arrangements where necessary.
According to Bessent, the license is intended to help stabilize the physical crude market and ensure oil supplies reach countries facing the greatest energy challenges. He added that the measure could also redirect existing supplies toward countries in need by limiting China’s ability to accumulate discounted Russian crude inventories.
While the license could provide short-term relief for oil-importing economies, Pakistan’s ability to benefit will depend on logistical arrangements, refinery compatibility and the commercial viability of importing additional Russian crude. The country previously conducted limited Russian oil imports but has yet to establish large scale procurement channels comparable to those used by major buyers.
But Pakistan doesn’t has the capability to refine it.