Pakistan asks Russia for 30-40% discount on crude oil; Moscow turns down demand

A Pakistani delegation holding talks with their Russian counterparts has asked for a 30-40 per cent discount on crude oil, a demand turned down by Moscow which said it could not offer anything right now as all volumes were committed, according to a media report on Thursday.

The delegation — comprising State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik, Secretary Petroleum Capt (retd) Muhammad Mahmood, joint secretary and officials of the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow — asked for a discount during talks in Moscow on Wednesday, The News reported.

The talks ended with no cogent conclusion but the Russian side promised to consider Pakistan’s demand and to share its decision later on through diplomatic channels, the paper said, citing its sources.