Pakistan could be among the countries eligible to benefit from a new temporary United States license allowing selected energy-vulnerable nations access to Russian oil, offering a possible short-term opportunity to ease pressure on fuel imports.
The US Department of the Treasury has issued a 30-day general license designed to help stabilize global crude supplies by allowing vulnerable countries temporary access to Russian oil cargoes currently stranded at sea.
The move is aimed at supporting countries facing energy security risks while also easing immediate pressure in international oil markets.
Pakistan is seen as a possible beneficiary under the arrangement, although its ability to take full advantage of the opportunity may be limited. The country has little experience importing Russian crude on a large commercial scale and may not yet have the refining capacity needed to process substantial volumes efficiently.
The development comes at a time when Pakistan remains heavily reliant on imported energy and is looking for ways to reduce its import bill. The country’s crude oil import bill surged to $964 million in April 2026, underlining its exposure to swings in global oil prices.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measure in a statement, saying the temporary 30-day license would give vulnerable nations access to Russian oil currently stuck at sea. He said the arrangement would provide added flexibility while the United States works with eligible countries on specific licensing requirements where needed.
According to Bessent, the measure is meant to support the physical crude market and direct supplies toward countries facing the most pressing energy needs. He added that it could also help prevent discounted Russian crude from being concentrated in larger markets and instead allow supply to reach countries in need.
While the license could offer short-term relief to oil-importing economies, Pakistan’s actual benefit will depend on logistics, refinery compatibility, and the commercial feasibility of importing more Russian crude.
Pakistan has previously imported limited quantities of Russian oil, but it has not yet developed large-scale procurement arrangements similar to those used by bigger buyers.
