Pakistan’s Petroleum Import Bill rose sharply in June 2026, driven by higher international energy prices and increased crude oil purchases, while overall imports also recorded strong year-on-year growth, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The country’s petroleum group imports reached $1.55 billion during June 2026, registering a 41.25% increase compared with $1.10 billion recorded in the same month last year. However, on a monthly basis, petroleum imports declined 9.98% from $1.72 billion in May 2026, reflecting some easing in import volumes and prices toward the end of the fiscal year.
Petroleum Import Bill Surges as Crude Oil Leads Energy Purchases
The latest SBP figures show that crude oil remained the largest contributor within the petroleum category. Pakistan imported $812.03 million worth of petroleum crude during June, while imports of refined petroleum products stood at $506.86 million. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports accounted for another $221.47 million, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on imported energy to meet domestic demand.
The sharp annual increase in the Petroleum Import Bill came despite the monthly decline and reflected the impact of elevated global oil prices during much of the fiscal year. Energy imports continue to represent one of the largest components of Pakistan’s overall import bill and remain a key factor influencing the country’s trade deficit and foreign exchange requirements.
Overall Imports Rise 24% Year-on-Year
Overall, Pakistan’s import payments processed through banks increased to $6.05 billion in June 2026 from $4.87 billion in June 2025, representing an annual increase of more than 24%.
Freight charges during the month amounted to $196.54 million.
Food Imports Decline Annually but Recover Month-on-Month
While energy imports increased substantially, the food import bill moved in the opposite direction on an annual basis.
Food imports declined 7.08% year-on-year to $642.91 million, compared with $691.92 million in June 2025. However, they increased 17.07% compared with $549.16 million recorded in May.
Among food items, palm oil remained the largest imported commodity with purchases worth $214.54 million. Imports of pulses reached $63.58 million, while tea imports stood at $49.41 million during the month.
Machinery Imports Reflect Continued Industrial Investment
Imports of machinery continued to show healthy growth, indicating sustained investment in industrial equipment and technology.
The machinery group recorded imports of $862.75 million, up 17.51% from $734.22 million a year earlier, although slightly lower than the $875.95 million imported in May.
Electrical machinery and apparatus led the category with imports valued at $290.46 million, followed by other machinery at $244.27 million. Telecommunications equipment accounted for $149.85 million, reflecting continued investment in Pakistan’s communications infrastructure.
Transport Imports Post Strongest Growth
The transport sector posted the strongest growth among major import categories during June.
Imports under the transport group surged 76.31% year-on-year to $435.05 million, compared with $246.78 million in the corresponding month of 2025. On a monthly basis, transport imports increased 19.15% from $365.11 million.
Road motor vehicles dominated the category, accounting for $353.16 million of total transport imports. Meanwhile, imports of aircraft, ships and boats rose significantly to $60.41 million, compared with $16.73 million recorded during the same month last year.
Textile Imports Continue Upward Trend
The textile sector also registered notable growth during June.
Textile-related imports increased 16.39% year-on-year to $538.90 million, while rising 23.68% compared with May’s $435.78 million.
Raw cotton remained the largest imported item within the textile group, with imports valued at $216.41 million, reflecting continued demand from Pakistan’s export-oriented textile industry.
Chemical and Agricultural Imports Increase
Imports of agriculture and chemical products also moved higher during June.
The agriculture and other chemicals group recorded imports worth $848.81 million, representing a 9.50% increase from $775.18 million a year earlier and an 8.11% rise compared with May.
Plastic materials made the largest contribution to the category with imports totaling $245.77 million. The group also included fertilizer imports, although manufactured fertilizer imports remained below last year’s level despite ongoing demand in the agriculture sector.
Metal Imports Jump on Construction Demand
Metal imports recorded another strong performance during the month.
The group’s import bill climbed 41.98% year-on-year to $541.74 million, compared with $381.63 million in June 2025. On a monthly basis, imports increased 34.99% from $401.36 million.
Iron and steel remained the dominant segment within the metals category, accounting for imports worth $265.63 million, reflecting continued activity in construction, manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
Miscellaneous Imports Also Move Higher
Imports under the miscellaneous category rose 36.06% to $101.60 million, compared with $74.68 million in the same month last year, while increasing 5.26% from $96.53 million in May.