KARACHI (August 7, 2025): In a strategic shift to diversify its energy sources, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) will import its first-ever cargo of Nigerian Bonny Light crude oil from global energy trader Vitol in September, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The cargo, consisting of 500,000 barrels of light-sweet Bonny Light crude, is set to be loaded later this month and is expected to reach Karachi by late September. While the pricing details remain undisclosed, the deal signifies a growing trend among Asian refiners to seek alternatives to increasingly expensive Middle Eastern oil.
Both PRL and Vitol have not yet issued an official comment on the transaction.
This move follows a separate landmark development: Pakistan’s first import of U.S. crude, also facilitated by Vitol, with a shipment scheduled to arrive in October for Cnergyico (formerly Byco).
Historically, Pakistan has sourced the majority of its crude oil from the Middle East, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, the rising costs of Gulf-origin supplies have led to renewed interest in more competitively priced options such as U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Kazakh CPC Blend.
While Pakistan imported Nigerian Yoho crude as far back as 2014, the Bonny Light purchase marks a first. Bonny Light is renowned for its high gasoline and diesel yields, making it particularly attractive for countries like Pakistan grappling with fuel demand and refining needs.
With oil being Pakistan’s largest import item, accounting for $11.3 billion in FY 2024-25—nearly 20% of the country’s total import bill—this shift in crude sourcing could have significant implications for the country’s energy security, trade balance, and refining economics.
