ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is going to become worst victim of Iran Saudi Arabiaclash and the resultant Oil blockage in the region.
According to BBC Urdu link, officialsin Pakistan are catious about discussing the issue, but do not rule out thepossibility that the situation might affect Pakistan.
A senior official in the petroleum ministry in Islamabad has told BBC Urduthat Pakistan imports most of the oil it needs from the Gulf states, andany disruption in that supply could have dire consequences.
One of the first effects of trouble would be an increase in oil prices inthe country. Since the country imports at least 80 per cent of its oil fromSaudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, disruption would hit that supply.
Additionally, if Iran cut off oil supplies from the Strait of Hormuz, itwould affect Pakistan more than any other country. Iran is also among thelargest oil producers in the world.
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The proximity of Saudi Arabia and UAE to Pakistan means that the cost ofimporting oil from the Gulf is significantly lower for Islamabad thanimporting from Europe or African countries. However, that could soon change.
In case of a conflict in the Arab world, Pakistan could be forced to lookfor alternatives to meet energy needs. If that happens, oil prices would beincreased dramatically.
A spokesperson for the petroleum ministry is more optimistic about theimpact of the Saudi attacks on oil prices in Pakistan. He told BBC Urduthat Saudi Arabia would soon take charge of the situation.
