Pakistan Warns Against Attack on Tanker as Diesel Supply Risks Grow

Pakistan has warned that any attack on an empty oil tanker stranded in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline would be treated as an "act of war", as officials assess options for moving the vessel amid growing concerns over the country's fuel supplies.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the tanker would have to be moved despite the difficult security environment. Saudi authorities have asked the vessel to remain on standby for the moment, while Pakistan examines alternative routes and supply arrangements that could reduce the risk of disruption.

The warning comes as the Saudi east-west pipeline, an important alternative route for crude exports during disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, remains closed following attacks linked to the renewed conflict involving Yemen's Houthis. The pipeline could remain unavailable for as long as six weeks, increasing pressure on regional shipping and energy logistics.

Among the options being considered are waiting for pipeline operations to resume, moving the tanker through Oman or the United Arab Emirates, or obtaining crude supplies from Libya. Malik said Pakistan's diesel stocks were sufficient for the current month and the following month, underscoring the urgency of maintaining crude flows to domestic refineries.

The disruption has wider implications for Pakistan because imported petroleum remains essential to transport, electricity generation and industrial activity. Any prolonged interruption in crude or refined-product shipments could increase pressure on supply management at a time when regional conflict is already affecting shipping routes and international energy markets.

Tensions around the Red Sea and nearby waterways have intensified as Houthi forces carry out attacks connected to the conflict in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The Bab al-Mandab strait, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is a major maritime passage for global trade and energy shipments. Pakistan-flagged vessels have continued to navigate regional waterways despite heightened security risks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also condemned an attempted drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah and reiterated Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted a Houthi drone before it could enter prohibited airspace, while Houthi officials have denied targeting Makkah.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed a trilateral defence arrangement last month that provides for collective security cooperation. Pakistani officials have described the agreement as defensive and have continued to call for de-escalation and diplomacy in the wider region. The immediate focus for Islamabad is expected to remain on securing the tanker, maintaining fuel imports and preventing regional hostilities from disrupting domestic energy supplies.