Malik, Natalie discuss energy cooperation

ISLAMABAD: The United States has expressed interest in establishing long-term energy supply contracts with Pakistan and creating investment opportunities for American companies, including in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and refinery upgradation, amid challenges to fuel availability and rising energy prices.The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.
The meeting took place as Pakistan faces LNG supply constraints and higher prices amid an evolving geopolitical situation and continuing conflict in the Middle East, which has created challenges for fuel availability.
According to an official statement, Malik briefed the US diplomat on measures taken by Pakistan to ensure energy security and maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies despite regional uncertainties.
Baker congratulated Pakistan on efficiently managing the fuel supply situation, observing that the country had avoided a fuel shortage despite challenging regional circumstances.
The petroleum minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to securing its energy needs and highlighted ongoing engagement between the teams of the two countries to explore areas of mutual cooperation.
He said Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme could offer investment opportunities for US financial institutions, potentially opening avenues for American participation in modernising the country’s refining infrastructure.
Baker expressed the United States’ desire to work closely with Pakistan to address its energy requirements. She emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for US companies in Pakistan and expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts.
She noted that such arrangements could be mutually beneficial and create business opportunities for American companies.
During the meeting, the managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) briefed participants on the interest shown by US companies in supplying LNG to Pakistan.
However, the statement did not disclose the names of interested companies, proposed supply volumes, pricing arrangements or any timeline for concluding contracts.
Pakistan’s interest in diversifying energy supplies and securing fuel availability has assumed greater importance amid regional geopolitical tensions and volatility in international energy markets. Any long-term LNG supply arrangement would depend on commercially viable terms, including prices, delivery schedules and the availability of cargoes.
The petroleum minister also invited US companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), highlighting investment opportunities in the country’s mineral sector.
Malik expressed appreciation for US support and said enhanced bilateral engagement could strengthen energy cooperation and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
The meeting signals an effort by both sides to expand energy-sector engagement, although no specific agreement or binding LNG supply contract was announced.