Karachi / Islamabad, 7 August 2025 — Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) is set to import its first-ever cargo of Nigerian Bonny Light crude from global energy trader Vitol this September, marking a notable pivot in the nation’s crude sourcing strategy. The 500,000-barrel shipment of light-sweet crude is expected to be loaded later this month and arrive in Karachi by late September .
Following the same trend of diversification, Pakistan is also preparing to welcome its first U.S. crude import—arranged by Vitol and intended for Cnergyico—which is scheduled to land in October .
Currently, almost all of Pakistan’s crude imports come from the Middle East—primarily Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, escalating costs of Gulf-origin oil have propelled Pakistani refiners, like their Asian counterparts, to explore alternatives such as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) from the U.S. and Kazakhstan’s CPC Blend .
Though Pakistan imported Nigerian Yoho crude in 2014, this Bonny Light deal represents the first known purchase of this prized, light-sweet grade by Pakistan. Renowned for its ability to yield high-quality gasoline and diesel, Bonny Light is increasingly valued by refiners worldwide .
Oil remains Pakistan’s largest import, with crude and petroleum products accounting for approximately $11.3 billion—nearly one-fifth of its total import bill—in the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025 .