Pakistan’s fuel supply is under pressure. Petrol stocks have dropped to a 14-day cover, according to industry sources. This has raised concern among oil dealers and refiners across the country.
Stocks Fall as Prices Rise
The drop comes as fuel prices climb. Prices rose after fresh tensions between the US and Iran pushed global oil prices up and made imports more costly for Pakistan.
Demand Jumps, Smuggling Slows
Officials say petrol use jumped sharply this month. In the first two weeks of July, petrol consumption rose nearly 20 percent compared to last year, while diesel demand climbed about 40 percent above the five-year average. Analysts link part of this rise to a drop in smuggled fuel from Iran, since the price gap with local fuel has narrowed.
Import Delays Add to the Strain
Pakistan State Oil canceled a few planned cargoes earlier this month after failing to get clearance from the National Coordination and Management Council, a body that reviews fuel supply decisions. Global prices were falling then, ahead of a temporary US-Iran peace deal.
Government Denies Shortage
Despite these warning signs, the government says there is no real shortage. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting this week to review fuel supplies. He told officials that Pakistan holds enough petroleum stock and assured the public that supply will not be disrupted.
For now, diesel stocks remain more stable, with about 21 days of cover left. Industry groups have urged the government to release pending payments and clear customs backlogs quickly, warning that further delays could lead to real shortages, especially outside major cities.
