ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering several options for an empty oil tanker stranded in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, following the pipeline’s shutdown after recent attacks.
Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Saudi authorities have asked the vessel to remain on standby, while Pakistan evaluates whether to keep it there until the pipeline resumes operations or move it elsewhere.
🛢️ Options Under Consideration
Pakistan is reportedly considering:
- Keeping the tanker near the pipeline until operations resume.
- Sailing the vessel back toward Pakistan via Oman or the UAE.
- Exploring alternative crude supplies from Libya.
Malik warned that prolonged disruption to crude supplies could create a diesel shortage, with the country currently holding stocks for roughly the current and following month.
⚠️ Rising Red Sea Risk
The situation has become more complicated as Houthi militants have intensified attacks around Saudi Arabia, increasing risks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major route for global shipping and energy supplies.
Malik also warned that any attack on the Pakistani vessel would be considered an “act of war.”
The developments come amid heightened regional tensions and disruption around key energy routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline.
Pakistan has meanwhile reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia following a reported drone attack on Makkah, while Islamabad has also highlighted its regional security commitments with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
