Karachi, Pakistan – July 31, 2025 – Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, has announced a landmark agreement with global energy trader Vitol for the purchase of the country’s first-ever crude oil cargo from the United States. This historic deal marks a significant step in diversifying Pakistan’s energy sources and strengthening its trade relationship with the U.S.
The initial shipment will consist of one million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude. The cargo is scheduled to be loaded from Houston this month and is expected to arrive in Karachi in the second half of October.
According to Cnergyico’s Vice Chairman, Usama Qureshi, this first shipment is a “test spot cargo” under a broader term agreement with Vitol. If the deal proves to be commercially viable, the company may look to import at least one cargo per month. Qureshi also noted that the U.S. crude is compatible with the refinery’s existing infrastructure, requiring no blending or technical adjustments.
This agreement follows months of negotiations and is part of a broader strategy to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil suppliers, who currently provide almost all of the country’s crude imports. The deal is also seen as a positive outcome of a recent trade agreement between Pakistan and the U.S., which has resulted in reduced tariffs on Pakistani goods.
