Pakistan has “largely secured” petrol cargoes for March and April, a high-level committee monitoring petrol prices was told on Tuesday, with plans for additional shipments to further strengthen supply buffers amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the meeting was told refineries are now operating at regular production levels, with efforts underway to maintain optimal throughput and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude. Participants, per a Finance Ministry statement, reviewed the energy supply situation and assessed developments in global oil and gas markets.
Members were informed overall inventories remain at comfortable levels, supported by secured import arrangements and ongoing production. Supply lines from import terminals to refineries, storage installations, and retail outlets were also reported to be operating in a stable and orderly manner, ensuring continuity of supply across the country.
During the meeting, a detailed review of national stocks and international energy market conditions was presented, highlighting notable movements in global benchmarks. The committee assessed emerging global price signals and their transmission implications, noting the government is actively evaluating price divergence between international and domestic markets to support balanced and timely policy calibration.
The meeting, per the statement, 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 committee also reviewed ongoing government-to-government engagements aimed at strengthening supply resilience and mitigating risks, with members 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. These coordinated efforts aim to reinforce energy security and safeguard supply continuity under evolving market conditions.
The finance minister, read the statement, underscored that proactive planning, diversified procurement strategies, and close coordination among stakeholders have 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.
Aurangzeb reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remains the government’s foremost priority and emphasized that sustained coordination and prudent planning would continue to guide efforts to maintain market stability and safeguard national energy security.
Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari; National Food Security and Research Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain; Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary; Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, as well as federal secretaries and senior officials of relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory authorities participated in the meeting.
The monitoring committee was formed earlier this month in the wake of the Iran war and related disruptions to global oil supply lines. As a consequence of rising crude prices, Pakistan increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs. 55/liter each but has yet to raise them further, with the government undertaking an austerity and fuel conservation plan to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.