Pakistan’s petrol cargoes for March and April ‘largely secured’: finance ministry

The members of the committee formed to monitor petrol prices were told on Tuesday that cargo inflows were continuing as scheduled and petrol cargoes for the current month and for April had “largely been secured”, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply buffers.

According to a post by the finance ministry on X, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the committee to review the energy supply situation and assess developments in global oil and gas markets amid evolving geopolitical conditions.

“The committee undertook a forward-looking assessment of the national petroleum supply outlook, reviewing stock availability of crude oil and refined petroleum products across the energy value chain. Members were informed that overall inventories remain at comfortable levels, supported by secured import arrangements and ongoing production,” it said.

It added that supply lines from import terminals to refineries, storage installations, and retail outlets were reported to be operating in a “stable and orderly manner”, ensuring continuity of supply across the country.

“Members were also briefed on inbound logistics and maritime operations supporting fuel supplies, noting that cargo inflows continue as scheduled and petrol cargoes for March and now for April have largely been secured, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply buffers,” the ministry said.

“Refineries are operating at regular production levels, with efforts underway to maintain optimal throughput and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude,” it said.

The ministry said that the meeting also reviewed national stocks and international energy market conditions.

“The committee assessed emerging global price signals and their transmission implications, noting that the government is actively evaluating price divergence between international and domestic markets to support balanced and timely policy calibration,” it said.

“The meeting placed particular emphasis on operational readiness across the domestic energy chain. The committee underscored that refineries must continue operating at optimal throughput levels to sustain supply stability and reduce systemic vulnerabilities. The meeting also included a detailed assessment of international energy market trends and geopolitical developments impacting global supply dynamics,” it added.

Further, the Committee also reviewed ongoing government-to-government engagements aimed at strengthening supply resilience and mitigating risks. Members were briefed on diversified sourcing strategies and logistical arrangements with key partner countries to secure crude and refined products, enhance storage and transshipment options, and ensure flexibility in procurement and financing mechanisms, the ministry said.

“These coordinated efforts are aimed at reinforcing energy security and safeguarding supply continuity under evolving market conditions,” it added.

It quoted the finance minister as saying that proactive planning, diversified procurement strategies, and close coordination among stakeholders had enabled Pakistan to maintain a stable domestic supply position despite global volatility.

“He directed all relevant authorities to continue vigilant monitoring of international developments, stock levels, and supply chain dynamics to ensure timely and coordinated policy responses,” it said.

He also reiterated that ensuring the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remained the government’s foremost priority and emphasised that sustained coordination and prudent planning would continue to guide efforts to maintain market stability and safeguard national energy security.

Earlier this month, the government hiked the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs55 per litre to manage the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has triggered a global oil crisis. Subsequently, the government also announced unprecedented austerity measures to cope with the fuel crisis.

The measures included a 50 per cent cut in fuel allowance for official vehicles and a four-day work week. It was also decided that 50pc of staff in the public sector would work from home; however, those providing essential services are exempt.

Last week, the government had appealed to the public to adopt fuel-conservation measures to “avert the risk of petroleum products’ supply getting affected in the coming days”.

On Sunday, PM Shehbaz announced an increase in the levy on high-octane fuel, a premium-grade petroleum product with a higher octane rating, used mainly in luxury and high-performance vehicles, by Rs200 per litre.