RAWALPINDI: The joint Pakistan-United Arab Emirates oil refinery and pipeline project at Multan is expected to cost about 120 million dollars, with one-third as the share of the Government of UAE, according to a delayed message received from Abu Dhabi. The capacity of the refinery is estimated at 40,000 barrels a day. An agreement for the setting up of the refinery and laying of a 16-inch pipeline between Karachi port and Multan was initialled in Abu Dhabi by the Pakistan Minister for Fuel, Power and Natural Resources, Mr Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao, and Mr Mana Saeed Al-Oteiba, the UAE Minister for Petroleum and Industry.

[Meanwhile,] Kuwait has assured that no oil cuts would be applied to Pakistan which is a “friendly and brotherly country.” This assurance was given to the Pakistan oil delegation, headed by … Mr Sherpao, at a meeting with the Kuwaiti Minister for Finance and Oil, Mr Abdul Rahman Al-Qateebi. The two Ministers also discussed Pakistan’s requirements of crude oil and petroleum products in the light of the present energy crisis. … Earlier Mr Sherpao delivered an invitation from [PM Bhutto] to the Emir of Kuwait … to attend the Islamic Summit. The Emir agreed … to attend.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2023