Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in the energy sector as Synergico Pakistan Limited signed a $430 million commercial agreement to import six million barrels of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil from the United States, marking the largest private-sector crude import deal between the two countries.
Under the agreement, three million barrels of crude oil have already been processed at Synergico’s refinery, while the remaining three cargoes, each containing one million barrels, are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in February and March 2026. The deal ensures a steady supply of crude in the coming months.
Officials noted that the agreement was executed without any government guarantees or financial assistance, avoiding additional burden on the national exchequer and supporting the reduction of the trade deficit through private-sector initiatives.
Energy experts said the arrangement represents a significant step toward diversifying Pakistan’s energy sources. By sourcing crude from the US, Pakistan reduces its dependence on the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz—a strategically sensitive route prone to geopolitical risks.
The import is facilitated through Synergico’s Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) system, Pakistan’s only deepwater crude oil handling facility. This system allows very large crude carriers to offload oil directly into an underwater pipeline leading to the refinery, enabling imports from distant regions like the US and Africa while reducing port congestion, freight costs, and delays.
Synergico Vice Chairman Osama Qureshi said the private sector can play a vital role in achieving national economic goals. He emphasized that crude imports from the US will help reduce the trade deficit, lower dependence on traditional shipping routes, and diversify energy sources to protect the economy from external shocks.
The project, executed purely on commercial terms, also aligns with Synergico’s expanding export activities. Analysts said that amid current economic pressures and global uncertainties, such private-sector initiatives are critical for energy security, economic stability, and the long-term strengthening of Pakistan’s economy.
