Pakistan's energy headache shows no sign of lifting
Gulf and Chinese cash will not solve Pakistan's oil and gas crisis as domestic demand continues to rise
A long-running energy crisis has helped to throttle Pakistan's economy, with Islamabad turning to China first for support in 2015 and, more recently, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia has pledged $20bn, including a $10bn investment for a new oil refinery in the south-western city of Gwadar. Last year, the UAE and Saudi Arabia promised $6.2bn in aid, including deferred payments for oil and petroleum products. Gwadar is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure programme which involves Beijing stumping up $60bn in loans for development and new power stations, mostly coal-fired. But Saudi and Chinese largesse may not be enough to prevent Pakistan from being forced
Also in this section
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
21 January 2026
Petroleum Economist takes a look at the critical developments that look set to govern the course of the market for this year
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
