On August 8, 2025, two sources familiar with the situation informed Reuters that Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) plans to import its first cargo of 500,000 barrels of Nigerian Bonny Light crude from Vitol in September.
Reuters reported that the light-sweet crude offers high yields of gasoline and diesel. Vitol expects to load the cargo this month, with delivery scheduled to arrive in Karachi by late September marks PRL’s initial acquisition of Bonny Light, following a recent agreement to receive U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude through Vitol in October
Pakistan has traditionally depended on crude oil from the Middle East, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, due to rising costs, Asian refiners, including those in Pakistan, are starting to look for more affordable alternatives such as U.S. and Nigerian crude oil. Sources, who wish to remain anonymous because the details of the deal have not been made public, mentioned that the price was not disclosed. Vitol and PRL did not respond to Reuters for comment. This decision follows Pakistan’s import of Nigerian Yoho crude in 2014, according to Kpler data, indicating a renewed interest in African oil supplies.
Oil is the largest import for Pakistan, with crude and petroleum products amounting to $11.3 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which represents nearly one-fifth of the country’s total import bill. Diversifying to more cost-effective crudes, such as Bonny Light, could help alleviate economic pressure and improve refining efficiency due to its favourable yield profile. The import by PRL aligns with a growing trend among Asian refiners who are seeking alternatives to more expensive Middle Eastern oil.
This purchase highlights Pakistan’s strategic shift to optimise its energy imports amid global market fluctuations. By sourcing fuel from Nigeria and the U.S., PRL aims to reduce its reliance on traditional suppliers, which could lower costs and enhance domestic fuel production. If successful, this deal could promote further diversification, positively affecting Pakistan’s trade balance and energy security.
