Saudi Arabia Secures Alternative Oil Route for Pakistan via Yanbu Port Amid Hormuz Crisis

In a move of critical strategic significance, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has assured Pakistan of a guaranteed energy lifeline by securing an alternative oil supply route through the Yanbu Port on the Red Sea. The agreement comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively paralyzed due to the escalating regional conflict, threatening global energy flows.

Bypassing the Chokepoint

During a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki informed Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik that Riyadh will prioritize Pakistan’s crude oil requirements.

• The Route: Saudi Arabia will utilize its East-West Pipeline, which has a capacity of 7 million barrels per day (bpd) after recent debottlenecking. This allows the Kingdom to transport crude from its eastern fields to the Yanbu terminal, bypassing the hazardous Strait of Hormuz.

• Direct Commitment: A specific commitment has been made to dispatch a Pakistani tanker to Yanbu to uplift crude oil immediately.

• Security of Supply: Saudi sources have provided “iron-clad” assurances regarding the security of the Red Sea route, despite threats from regional militant groups.

Operational Shifts for PIA and Energy Stability

Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasized that the government is working around the clock to ensure the continuity of the energy supply chain. The Saudi assurance is seen as a major win for Pakistan’s energy security, as the country currently holds roughly 30 days of petroleum reserves.

At the same time, the “Saudi Corridor” has become Pakistan’s only stable air and sea link to the Gulf. While flights to the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain remain suspended due to airspace risks, PIA operations to Saudi Arabia are continuing with wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft to accommodate the increased demand and longer, rerouted flight paths.

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A Partnership “In Times of Trial”

Ambassador Al-Maliki reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia stands by Pakistan during this regional emerStrategic Mutual Defence Agreement gency, echoing the spirit of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025. This pact has already proven effective in deterring wider kinetic strikes on Saudi soil through Pakistani diplomatic intervention

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