Pakistan is exploring crude oil imports from Libya as the world's fifth most populous country seeks to diversify its energy supplies and reduce dependence on traditional Middle Eastern suppliers.
- This initiative comes amid disruptions to global oil supply routes and aims to mitigate Pakistan's vulnerability due to heavy dependence on imported energy.
- Talks between Pakistani and Libyan ministers in Riyadh led to an agreement to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation, though no binding deal or shipment details have been announced yet.
- Libya's recovering oil industry has drawn new buyers such as Nigeria and Egypt, with its production rebounding and exports to Europe remaining strong.
- Pakistan is considering importing crude oil from Libya to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers.
The move could open another Asian market for Libya, which has attracted renewed interest from African buyers, including Nigeria and Egypt, amid disruptions to global oil supply routes.
With an estimated population of 259 million in 2026, Pakistan ranks fifth globally, behind India, China, the United States and Indonesia.
The proposed arrangement follows talks between Pakistan's Petroleum Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Libya's Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, during an energy gathering in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to Radio Pakistan, the ministers agreed on October 12, 2026, to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation and facilitate crude oil imports.
Malik said Islamabad was encouraging domestic refineries to consider purchasing Libyan crude, while Tripoli expressed willingness to support supplies to Pakistani companies.
Both countries also discussed exchanging technical expertise to modernise oil refineries, although neither government announced a binding supply agreement, shipment volumes or a delivery schedule.
Why Pakistan is turning to Libya
Pakistan's interest comes as disruptions to Middle Eastern oil shipments expose the vulnerability of countries heavily dependent on imported energy.
The South Asian economy relies on petroleum imports, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, leaving its energy sector exposed to regional instability and fluctuations in global crude prices.
Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have increased pressure on Pakistani refiners to explore alternative suppliers.
In August, Reuters reported that Cnergyico, Pakistan's largest oil refiner, was expanding imports of American crude to reduce its dependence on shipments passing through the strait.
The company imported 8.1 million barrels of US crude worth approximately $750 million during the financial year ending June 2026.
Adding Libya to Pakistan's supply network could further diversify its imports, although any agreement would depend on commercial terms, transportation costs and refinery requirements.
Libya's oil production rebounds as new buyers emerge
Pakistan's interest comes as Libya rebuilds its oil industry after years of political instability, ageing infrastructure and production disruptions.
In June 2026, Libya's National Oil Corporation reported crude output of 1.44 million barrels per day, its highest since 2013, with condensates pushing total production to nearly 1.49 million barrels.
However, crude production fell to approximately 1.34 million barrels per day in September from 1.40 million in August.
Despite the decline, oil revenue transferred to Libya's sovereign account rose to $2.86 billion in September from $2.56 billion in August, according to the corporation.
Libya's export markets have also expanded, with Nigeria importing approximately two million barrels of Libyan crude in May.
Egypt resumed purchases for the first time since 2019, importing around 57,000 barrels per day in February and 33,000 in April, while Tunisia also increased its imports.
European countries remained major buyers, with Italy importing 1.18 million tonnes in June, followed by Germany with 731,000 tonnes and Spain with 584,000 tonnes.
A potential agreement with Pakistan would add another Asian destination for Libyan crude, although neither government has announced a formal supply deal.