ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday sought investments from US financial institutions in $6 billion oil refinery upgradation projects and invited its firms to attend the upcoming Pakistan Mineral Forum to be held on Nov 12-13 in the capital.
This was the crux of a meeting Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik held on Monday with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, according to an official statement.
The minister briefed Ms Baker on the measures taken to ensure energy security amid the evolving geopolitical situation. He highlighted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had created challenges for fuel availability, requiring proactive measures to maintain uninterrupted supplies.
Petroleum minister seeks investment in $6bn refinery projects
Ms Baker congratulated Pakistan on efficiently managing the fuel supply situation, noting that the country had not experienced a fuel shortage despite the challenging regional circumstances.
The minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to securing its energy needs and highlighted ongoing engagement between the two countries to explore cooperation opportunities. He noted that Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme could offer investment opportunities for US financial institutions.
Ms Baker expressed the United States’ desire to work closely with Pakistan to address its energy needs. She emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for US companies in Pakistan and expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts, noting that such arrangements would be mutually beneficial and create opportunities for American businesses.
The managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) briefed participants on US companies’ interest in supplying LNG to Pakistan.
Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2026
