Pakistan and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker discussed LNG supplies, refinery upgrades and long-term energy contracts at a meeting on Monday.
Malik told Baker that the war in the Middle East had created challenges for fuel availability, and that Pakistan was taking proactive steps to keep supplies uninterrupted. Baker congratulated Pakistan for avoiding a fuel shortage despite the difficult regional situation.
The minister said Pakistan's refinery upgrade programme could offer investment opportunities for US financial institutions. Baker said Washington wanted to work closely with Pakistan on its energy needs and was optimistic about long-term supply contracts, which she said would benefit both sides and open opportunities for American companies.
The managing directors of Pakistan State Oil and Pakistan LNG Limited briefed the meeting on US companies' interest in supplying LNG to Pakistan. Malik also invited US firms to the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum.
The talks come amid growing US interest in Pakistan's energy sector. According to sources, state explorer OGDCL signed a deal in September with US firm Baker Hughes to revive ageing oil and gas wells, and on October 25 the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister said the US had shown interest in investing in the region's energy projects.