Russian gas shipped to Pakistan via Iran
The Russian embassy in Pakistan reported the delivery, which took place via Iran’s special economic zone in Sarakhs, paid in Chinese currency. Its value is not known or whether a discount was applied. Russian oil was delivered to Pakistan earlier.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Pakistan has received the first shipment of Russian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Russia’s embassy in Islamabad announced.
This is Pakistan’s second most important energy purchase from Russia, thanks to Iranian help. The first one involved Russian crude and was delivered under a deal struck between the two countries earlier this year.
In January, a Russian delegation held talks in Islamabad to finalise the deal. During the three-day visit, all technical issues — insurance, transportation, and payment mechanisms – were addressed before an agreement was signed in late March. The part on financial transactions was particularly tricky since Russia is under international sanctions over its war in Ukraine.
“After consensus on the technical specifications approved, the oil and gas trade transaction will be structured in a way it has a mutual economic benefit for both countries,” a joint statement read.
In a post today on social media, the Russian embassy confirmed the delivery of 100,000 metric tonnes of LPG to Pakistan through Iran's Sarakhs Special Economic Zone.
The embassy noted that consultations are underway for a second shipment. It did not provide details on Iran’s involvement, and it was not immediately clear how much the LPG cost or if it was discounted.
Pakistan said that it paid Russian crude in Chinese currency but the value of the deal was never disclosed.
Energy imports make up the majority of Pakistan's external payments, and discounted imports from Russia offer a respite at a time when the country faces a major economic crisis and an acute balance of payments problem, with the serious risk of default on its external debt.
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