Kuwait Assures Full Facilitation for Diesel and Jet Fuel Supplies to Pakistan Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

By Nazrana Times Staff Reporter
March 31, 2026
ISLAMABAD – In a significant boost to Pakistan’s energy security, Kuwait has assured full facilitation in the supply of diesel and jet fuel through Pakistani-flagged vessels, despite ongoing disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The assurance was conveyed during a meeting on Monday between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nasser Abdulrahman Jasim Al-Mutairi (also referred to as Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Almutairi). Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) confirmed it would extend complete cooperation for the loading and transport of these essential petroleum products on Pakistani ships from Kuwaiti ports.104ec3
According to an official statement issued by the Petroleum Ministry, Minister Malik expressed deep gratitude to KPC for this timely support. He highlighted the decades-long energy partnership between the two countries, noting that Pakistan has been importing petroleum products—particularly diesel—from Kuwait for over 50 years under long-term agreements between KPC and Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Kuwait traditionally meets more than 60% of Pakistan’s diesel requirements .605180
The Kuwaiti ambassador reaffirmed his country’s steadfast commitment to supporting Pakistan during these challenging regional circumstances and expressed willingness to further strengthen bilateral ties in the energy sector.
Diplomatic Breakthrough with Iran
This positive development follows a key announcement by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday. Dar stated that Iran had agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with approximately two ships permitted to cross daily.
Describing the move as a “welcome and constructive gesture” by Iran and “a meaningful step toward peace and regional stability,” Dar’s announcement has paved the way for the resumption of critical fuel shipments to Pakistan.e3125b
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade, has seen severely restricted shipping since early March 2026 due to the ongoing conflict. This has led to delays, force majeure declarations by several suppliers, and concerns over fuel availability and rising costs in Pakistan.
Relief for Energy Sector
The combined efforts—diplomatic engagement with Iran and operational facilitation from Kuwait—are expected to help stabilize Pakistan’s imports of diesel (crucial for transportation, agriculture, and power generation) and jet fuel (essential for civil aviation).
Petroleum Ministry sources indicated that while KPC has issued force majeure notices on some broader sales due to the disruptions, the special arrangement for Pakistani-flagged vessels will enable targeted lifting of supplies where feasible.
Minister Malik welcomed the assurance and thanked Kuwait for its continued brotherly cooperation, emphasizing that such support reflects the deep trust and historical bonds between the two nations.
Broader Implications
Analysts view this as a success of Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy in navigating the complex regional crisis. By securing exemptions and assurances from both Iran and Gulf partners like Kuwait, Islamabad aims to safeguard its energy needs and minimize the impact on the economy, including potential effects on fuel prices, inflation, and industrial activity.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid, and further developments will depend on broader de-escalation efforts and international negotiations.
Nazrana Times will continue to monitor this evolving story closely.
Stay tuned for more updates on energy, diplomacy, and national affairs.