With rising tensions in the Gulf unsettling global energy markets and supply routes, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said the government is keeping a close watch on petroleum availability and staying in contact with key stakeholders to avert possible supply disruptions.
He gave the assurance during a meeting with Robert Jan Siegert, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, along with representatives from Engro Corporation and Engro Vopak Terminal Limited (EVTL).
The delegation comprised Ahsan Zafar Syed, President of Engro Corporation; Ammar Shah, CEO of EVTL; and Yasir Ali, Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer of Engro Corporation, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.
Discussions focused on the evolving regional environment and its possible impact on energy markets and supply chains.
The finance minister observed that the government is closely tracking developments and remains in active coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure sufficient petroleum supplies and effectively manage any emerging challenges.
The delegation, in turn, presented industry perspectives on logistics and supply considerations in light of heightened volatility in international markets.
Aurangzeb emphasised the importance Pakistan places on deepening economic ties with the Netherlands, noting that enduring partnerships with reputable international investors contribute to economic growth, boost trade and investment flows, and strengthen confidence in Pakistan’s business climate.
The Dutch envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding bilateral economic relations. He pointed to the presence of Dutch companies operating in Pakistan and said that successful collaborations between Pakistani and Dutch firms reflect strong potential for broader economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Engro representatives briefed the minister on the operations of Engro Vopak Terminal Limited, a joint venture between Royal Vopak of the Netherlands and Engro Corporation. The delegation highlighted that the terminal has been functioning at Port Qasim since 1996 and plays a vital role in Pakistan’s industrial and energy supply chains by handling essential chemical imports for downstream industries, as well as a substantial portion of marine LPG used for household energy consumption.
They also discussed the terminal’s future operational arrangements and stressed the need to ensure continuity of specialised infrastructure that underpins industrial output and supply-chain resilience.
The delegation underscored the long-standing partnership between the companies and the broader economic contributions of such investments to Pakistan.
Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s resolve to maintain a conducive environment for credible foreign investors and assured full cooperation in addressing matters related to ongoing economic partnerships.
