FM Bilawal denies Musadik Malik’s claim of buying cheap oil from Russia

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari denied Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik’s claim of buying cheap oil from Russia.

The State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik had visited Russia at the end of last month. While addressing a press conference after returning from the Russia visit, he said that Moscow will provide petrol, diesel and crude oil at cheap rates to Pakistan.

FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is on a visit to the United States (US), denied Malik’s claim during an interview with a news channel. On the question of buying cheap oil from Russia, the foreign minister said that Pakistan is neither pursuing nor receiving Russian oil at a discounted price however, the country is exploring options.

After the foreign minister’s statement, the contradiction in the government’s stance has come to light.

Mossadeq Malik said, “I want to congratulate the people that the visit to Russia was a success. The visit to Russia was more successful than we expected.”

He said that agreements have been made with Russia regarding crude oil, petrol and diesel. Russia has given us crude oil at a discounted price, and Russia will also provide petrol and diesel to Pakistan at a cheaper price.”

Regarding the LNG sector, he said that there have been talks with Russian companies. Russian companies have shown readiness to sign contracts with Pakistan for 2025-26. “Now there will be government-to-government talks. Talks have been held with the Russian public sector along with the private sector for LNG.”