Washington (Web Desk): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has categorically rejected reports regarding Pakistan is pursuing or receiving any discounted energy from Russia.
The foreign minister in a statement said that the country does have energy insecurity and it is exploring various avenues to expand areas to get energy.
On Dec 5, State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik said that Russia will provide crude oil, petrol, and diesel to Pakistan at discounted rates.
“Our visit to Russia turned out to be more productive than expected,” Malik said on Monday while addressing a press conference.
Malik went on to say that Russia was short on liquefied natural gas (LNG) because of “international pressure”. “So they arranged a meeting of ours with private firms for the import of LNG, while we have also engaged Russia’s state LNG producers,” he added.
“The Russian government is setting up new factories for the production of LNG and they have invited Pakistan to begin talks on long-term contracts for 2025 and 2026,” the minister said.
Earlier, a Pakistan delegation comprising State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik, Secretary Petroleum Capt (retd) Muhammad Mahmood, Joint Secretary and officials of the petroleum division visited Moscow to explore possibilities of buying Russian crude oil and other petroleum products at discounted rates.