Petroleum Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh informed the Senate on Monday that Pakistan has petrol reserves for 27 days and diesel for 21 days. Officials warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict is disrupting supply chains, with potential gas shortages after April 14 if imports do not resume. The briefing highlighted pressure on energy availability and rising international crude prices.
The secretary said liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reserves are sufficient for nine days and JP-1 aviation fuel for 14 days. Around 70% of Pakistan’s petroleum comes from the Middle East, with shipments delayed due to regional tensions. Crude oil prices have risen from $72 to $115 per barrel since the start of the Iran war.
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Oil shipments normally take four to five days via the Strait of Hormuz, but Red Sea routes now take around 12 days. The government has temporarily allowed imports below Euro-5 standards to stretch reserves. Crude oil reserves in Pakistan currently cover 11 days, and two tankers carrying petrol and diesel have recently arrived. Talks are ongoing with Iran and Russia to secure additional supplies.
Gas supplies from Qatar have been fully suspended, and domestic production has been increased to manage demand. Of eight LNG cargoes expected in March, only two arrived, while six were delayed. Officials warned that delays in April shipments could worsen shortages, prompting an emergency gas supply plan for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors.
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The plan proposes prioritizing domestic consumers and power generation while reducing supply to commercial and industrial users. Fertilizer plants would receive slightly increased gas, while captive power plants face reduced allocations. Officials said Pakistan also holds a contingency LNG agreement with Azerbaijan, though costs would be significantly higher.