Pakistan’s largest refiner, Cnergyico, is significantly increasing its crude oil imports from the United States, driven by disruptions in Gulf routes due to regional conflicts and a desire to lessen dependence on traditional suppliers. This move aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce its trade surplus with the US, potentially leading to tariff reductions. Cnergyico imported 8.1 million barrels of US crude in the last nine months, accounting for roughly 80% of Pakistan’s overall increase in US imports, valued at $3.27 billion. The company is considering both spot purchases and long-term contracts, prioritizing pricing, reliability, and supply security. Pakistan is also seeking extended trade-finance facilities from the US EXIM Bank to facilitate deferred payments to American exporters. Rising fuel costs and recent protests over inflation are further motivating the search for alternative supply routes, including Saudi crude via Yanbu, and infrastructure upgrades at Cnergyico, including a $1.2 billion project to meet Euro V standards.