Govt arranges extra oil shipments to safeguard Pakistan's fuel supply

ISLAMABAD: The government is arranging additional oil shipments to bolster national reserves and ensure a stable petroleum supply chain across the country amid volatility in global energy markets.

The development emerged during a high-level meeting chaired virtually by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to monitor petrol prices and review developments in the energy sector, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance (Pakistan) on Saturday.

During the meeting, the finance minister emphasised that the government’s top priority was ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products while minimising the financial burden on the public.

“Pakistan’s supply position remains stable due to proactive planning and close coordination among relevant stakeholders,” Aurangzeb said, adding that authorities would continue to closely monitor international energy markets, domestic stock levels and supply chain dynamics on a daily basis.

The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, along with other senior officials.

Participants reviewed petroleum product stocks across the country and were briefed on the current national inventory of crude oil and refined petroleum products, ongoing import arrangements and supply chain logistics.

Officials informed the committee that several cargo shipments were already en route, while additional imports were being arranged to strengthen national reserves.

According to the statement, the committee noted with satisfaction that petroleum product stocks remained at comfortable levels and that supply chains were functioning smoothly, with adequate arrangements in place to ensure fuel availability in the coming weeks.

Members also reviewed recent developments in global crude and refined petroleum markets, examining international price trends, benchmark crude movements and refined product dynamics to assess their potential impact on Pakistan’s energy sector and broader economy.

Authorities briefed the meeting on measures aimed at facilitating cargo movements, maintaining optimal refinery operations and ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the petroleum supply chain.

The committee was also informed about supply forecasts for diesel, petrol, aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with officials noting that current stock levels and planned imports were expected to sufficiently meet domestic demand in the near term.

In addition, participants discussed targeted fuel conservation and demand management strategies to help moderate import requirements during the ongoing global energy crisis.

They emphasised that responsible consumption and public-sector conservation initiatives could help reduce pressure on imports while supporting broader economic stability.

The meeting also reviewed progress on enhanced monitoring mechanisms for the petroleum supply chain, including the development of a digital dashboard that will provide real-time visibility of fuel stock levels, storage depots and retail supply conditions across the country.