HAIDER
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
$6.7b oil facility sought from Saudi
15-year loan at 1% interest from SFD; total Saudi cash deposits up to $8bPakistan has sought a $6.7 billion concessional oil financing facility from Saudi Arabia for a period of 15 years, aimed at ensuring energy security amid heightened Middle East conflict that may keep global prices high and put additional stress on the country's foreign exchange reserves.
A spokeswoman of the Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed to The Express Tribune that the matter of Saudi oil facility on deferred payments was under discussion.
The sources said Pakistan was actively seeking the $6.7 billion Saudi facility at 1% interest rate for a period of 15 years. The matter has been discussed at the ministerial level, they added. Pakistan has sought a five-year grace period and a total 15 years for the repayments of the debt, they added.
"The matter is under consideration between the two governments," said the spokeswoman of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. She was responding to the question whether Pakistan had requested the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for a $6.7 billion oil facility at 1% interest rate with repayment in 15 years.






