Attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure 'worrying' for outlook: Pakistan finance minister

Pakistan's finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, stated on Saturday that attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are worrying for the country's long-term economic outlook. Speaking to AFP during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Aurangzeb noted that while Pakistan has withstood the shock of skyrocketing energy prices caused by the Iran war, the instability remains a concern.

According to Middle East Eye, Aurangzeb said the country has negotiated the first-order impact well, reporting no shortages, gas station queues, or law and order issues. He confirmed that Pakistan has procured enough energy supplies to last through November and is currently planning for the winter months when household needs typically increase.

The minister added that the government will not procure expensive spot LNG cargoes unless there is an absolute dire need. Middle East Eye reports that global energy prices have surged since the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran in February, as retaliatory actions from Tehran have targeted Gulf allies and curtailed oil and gas supplies.

Brief written by urgent.news from Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.