Pakistan Petrol Supply Secured for March & April: Finance Minister Assures Stability
Pakistan Secures March and April Petrol Cargoes Amidst Global Supply Concerns
Islamabad – Pakistan’s finance ministry announced Tuesday that the country has “largely secured” petrol cargoes for both March and April, as officials work to maintain stable fuel supplies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent domestic economic measures. The assurance came during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to review the nation’s energy supply situation and assess the impact of global oil and gas market fluctuations.
According to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the finance ministry, committee members were informed that overall petroleum inventories remain at “comfortable levels,” supported by existing import arrangements and continued production. Supply lines, from import terminals to refineries, storage facilities and retail outlets, are reportedly operating in a “stable and orderly manner” across the country. The finance ministry’s statement on X detailed the assessment.
The meeting focused on a forward-looking assessment of the national petroleum supply outlook, reviewing the availability of both crude oil and refined products throughout the energy sector. Officials also examined inbound logistics and maritime operations, confirming that scheduled cargo inflows are continuing as planned, with additional shipments being arranged to bolster supply buffers. Refineries are currently operating at regular production levels, with efforts underway to optimize throughput and processing efficiency.
The government’s efforts to secure fuel supplies come after it implemented significant economic adjustments earlier this month, raising petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs55 per litre to mitigate the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has contributed to a global oil crisis. These price hikes were followed by unprecedented austerity measures, including a 50 percent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles and a shift to a four-day work week for some public sector employees.
Last week, the government appealed to the public to adopt fuel conservation measures, warning of potential supply disruptions. More recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs200 per litre increase in the levy on high-octane fuel on Sunday, targeting premium-grade gasoline used in luxury vehicles.
The finance ministry statement indicated that the committee is actively evaluating the divergence between international and domestic fuel prices to inform policy decisions. It also emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal throughput at refineries to ensure supply stability and reduce vulnerabilities within the system. Ongoing government-to-government engagements are aimed at strengthening supply resilience through diversified sourcing strategies and logistical arrangements with key partner countries.
Aurangzeb directed relevant authorities to closely monitor international developments, stock levels, and supply chain dynamics to ensure timely and coordinated policy responses. He reiterated that maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products remains the government’s top priority, emphasizing the require for sustained coordination and prudent planning to safeguard national energy security.
The committee’s next steps remain unclear, with no specific timeline announced for further assessments or policy adjustments. The situation will continue to be monitored as global geopolitical factors and market conditions evolve.