The Petroleum Monitoring Committee convened under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to thoroughly assess the current supply and demand dynamics of petroleum products throughout Pakistan. The committee expressed confidence in the existing inventory levels, highlighting that the country’s fuel reserves remain robust despite ongoing global market fluctuations. This meeting comes at a crucial time when international oil prices are experiencing upward pressure due to geopolitical uncertainties in key regions.
the Ministry of Finance, the availability of petrol and diesel across the nation remains consistent and reliable. Diesel reserves, in particular, are sufficient to meet the country’s consumption needs for approximately 24 days, while petrol stocks are also maintained at comfortable levels to avoid any shortages. These reserves are critical to sustaining transportation, agriculture, and industrial sectors, especially as the country approaches the peak harvesting season when fuel demand traditionally surges.
The committee reviewed recent developments in the global oil markets, noting that prices continue to escalate amid persistent regional tensions that contribute to volatility and unpredictability. In response to these challenges, officials reported the arrival of a crude oil shipment at Karachi port, with another vessel scheduled to dock shortly. These incoming consignments are expected to bolster the existing fuel stocks and provide a buffer against any potential disruptions in supply chains.
To safeguard uninterrupted fuel availability, the authorities are implementing proactive measures to efficiently manage the unloading and distribution of incoming cargo. This includes close coordination with port authorities and oil companies to ensure swift processing and timely delivery across the country. However, the ministry also acknowledged that the rising cost of imports has led to an increase in the volume of Letters of Credit (LCs), which places additional financial strain on the government and importers alike.
In light of these financial pressures, the Finance Ministry has instructed the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks to streamline procedures and facilitate smooth financial transactions related to fuel imports. This directive aims to prevent any delays in procurement and maintain steady cash flow to support continuous supply. Moreover, officials stressed the importance of curbing hoarding practices that could artificially inflate prices or create artificial shortages, announcing enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to deter such activities.
Recognizing the heightened demand during the Eid festivities and the ongoing crop harvesting period, oil companies have been mandated to keep their operations fully functional without interruption. This ensures that fuel stations remain open and adequately stocked to meet the needs of consumers and agricultural machinery operators. The government has reassured the public that there will be no disruption in fuel availability anywhere in the country during these critical times.
To further strengthen oversight, a digital dashboard has been developed to provide real-time monitoring of petrol stock levels nationwide. This technological tool allows authorities to track inventory trends closely and respond swiftly to any emerging supply challenges. Additionally, the committee will continue to monitor global oil market developments on a daily basis to anticipate and mitigate any risks that could impact Pakistan’s fuel security.
