Pakistan Faces Fresh Fuel Crisis as Petrol Stocks Dwindle, Import Delays Raise Supply Fears

July 16, 2026

Islamabad: Pakistan is facing the risk of another fuel supply crisis as declining petrol reserves, delayed imports and policy bottlenecks raise fresh concerns over the country’s energy security, according to a report by The Express Tribune.

Industry officials warned that petrol inventories have dropped to around 379,000 tonnes, including supplies from local refineries, leaving enough fuel to meet demand for only about two weeks at the current consumption rate.

Rising Demand and Import Delays Worsen Supply Concerns

According to the report, petrol consumption has increased sharply during the first half of July, with daily sales exceeding both official projections and last year’s levels. The surge has largely been driven by expectations of another increase in fuel prices.

Although shipments carrying nearly 153,000 tonnes of petrol are expected to arrive in the coming days, at least one planned cargo reportedly failed to receive approval last month, while another import involving several oil marketing companies was cancelled, further tightening supplies.

Industry representatives also pointed to disruptions in global shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, which have increased freight costs and global oil prices. However, they said domestic administrative and financial issues remain the biggest contributors to the current crisis.

Oil Companies Seek Release of Pending Payments

Oil marketing companies have urged the Pakistani government to immediately release around Rs 66.7 billion in pending Price Differential Claims (PDCs), arguing that delayed payments have reduced their ability to finance fresh fuel imports.

According to industry estimates, the outstanding amount is sufficient to fund imports of nearly 250,000 tonnes of petrol, which could significantly improve national fuel reserves.

Customs Delays Add to Pressure

Officials have also expressed concern over delays in customs clearance through Pakistan’s WeBOC system, warning that slow processing of imported fuel at ports could disrupt supplies to inland markets.

While diesel stocks remain relatively stable due to continued production at local refineries, industry experts cautioned that panic buying or hoarding could quickly trigger shortages if uncertainty over fuel availability continues.