Pakistan has warned that any attack on an oil tanker stranded near Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline in the Red Sea would be treated as an “act of war,” as Islamabad considers options for moving the vessel amid continuing regional tensions.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the tanker would eventually have to be moved, while Saudi authorities had asked Pakistan to keep the vessel on standby for the time being. Pakistan is now considering different options for dealing with the stranded ship.
The situation is linked to the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, an important route that allows the kingdom to transport crude toward the Red Sea while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Reports say the pipeline could remain disrupted for several weeks following attacks in the region.
For Pakistan, the disruption has raised concerns about future crude supplies and fuel availability. Malik warned that a prolonged interruption in supplies could create pressure on Pakistan’s diesel stocks, with the country holding supplies for the current month and the following month.
Officials are reportedly considering several possibilities, including keeping the tanker near the Saudi pipeline until operations resume, sending it back through Oman or the United Arab Emirates, or obtaining crude from alternative suppliers such as Libya.
The wider security situation around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab has also created uncertainty for international shipping and energy markets. Continued attacks and disruptions could affect shipping routes, transportation costs and the availability of oil supplies.
Pakistan has also reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia amid the regional crisis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned a reported drone attack targeting Makkah, while Islamabad has emphasized the importance of Saudi Arabia’s security.
The fate of the stranded tanker will depend on the security situation, the reopening of Saudi oil infrastructure and Pakistan’s ability to secure alternative supply routes. For Islamabad, maintaining reliable fuel supplies remains a key concern as tensions continue across the region.