Pakistan Refinery Limited to Import Nigerian Crude Oil

Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) is set to import its initial consignment of Nigerian Bonny Light crude oil from Vitol in September. Sources familiar with the development indicate that this move aligns with a broader trend among Asian refiners seeking more economical alternatives to Middle Eastern oil.

The cargo, comprising 500,000 barrels of light-sweet crude, is anticipated to be loaded later this month and is projected to reach Karachi by the end of September. The sources, who wished to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the information, did not disclose the price.

Neither Vitol nor PRL has issued an official statement regarding this transaction.

This acquisition occurs after Pakistan’s first agreement to import U.S. crude, also supplied by Vitol, through Cnergyico. The shipment is expected to arrive in October.

Currently, the majority of Pakistan’s crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

However, like other Asian refiners, Pakistan’s industry has displayed growing interest in sourcing supplies from diverse locations, including U.S. West Texas Intermediate and Kazakh CPC Blend, as Middle Eastern supplies have become comparatively more expensive.

Data from Kpler indicates that Pakistan previously imported Nigerian Yoho crude as early as 2014. However, this Bonny Light purchase marks the first known acquisition of this specific type, recognized for its substantial gasoline and diesel yields.

Oil constitutes Pakistan’s largest import item, with crude oil and petroleum products valued at $11.3 billion in the fiscal year concluding on June 30, 2025, representing nearly a fifth of the nation’s total import expenditure.