Overview
- On Monday, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik met U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to formalise plans for closer energy-sector cooperation focused on LNG, refinery upgrades and longer-term supply contracts.
- The U.S. envoy said Washington is willing to work with Pakistan and to create openings for American firms to supply LNG and participate in refinery investment.
- Pakistan invited U.S. companies to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum and pitched its refinery upgradation programme as an opportunity for U.S. financial institutions.
- Officials from Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited reported interest from U.S. firms in supplying LNG, and the talks built on a Sept. 2 technical deal in which OGDCL contracted Baker Hughes to boost output from ageing wells.
- Pakistan faces limited refinery capacity and ageing domestic production so officials say U.S. technology, financing and long-term contracts could help stabilise fuel supplies and reduce import vulnerability if commercial deals are finalised.