Pakistan Petroleum Imports recorded a moderate increase in March 2026, reflecting steady demand from the transport sector and a shifting energy mix. Latest data indicates that petroleum, oil and lubricants imports climbed to 1.34 million metric tonnes during the month, marking a 4 percent month-on-month increase while remaining broadly unchanged on a year-on-year basis.
The numbers signal continued economic activity, particularly in transportation and logistics, despite higher fuel prices. Over the first nine months of fiscal year 2026, cumulative Pakistan Petroleum Imports reached 13.28 million metric tonnes, up 6 percent from the 12.49 million metric tonnes recorded in the same period last year. This trend suggests sustained fuel consumption and stronger refinery operations.
Pakistan Petroleum Imports Driven by Motor Gasoline Demand
Motor gasoline continued to dominate Pakistan Petroleum Imports in March 2026. It accounted for approximately 82 percent of total petroleum product imports, nearly identical to its share a year earlier. This heavy reliance on motor gasoline highlights persistent demand from commuters, ride-hailing services, and goods transporters across the country.
Despite elevated retail fuel prices, consumption remained stable, indicating that transportation remains a necessity for both businesses and households. The consistent demand also reflects gradual economic activity recovery and urban mobility expansion.
Crude Oil Imports Fall Monthly but Remain Strong for FY26
Crude oil imports declined by 9 percent compared to February, falling to 765,263 metric tonnes in March. On a yearly comparison, crude imports were also slightly lower by 3 percent. However, the broader fiscal year picture tells a different story.
During the first nine months of FY26, crude imports reached 7.84 million metric tonnes, representing a strong 17 percent increase compared to 6.69 million metric tonnes in the same period last year. This indicates higher refinery throughput and suggests that domestic refineries are operating at elevated utilization levels.
High-Speed Diesel Sees Sharp Rebound
High-speed diesel imports posted a significant recovery in March, surging 153 percent month-on-month. This rebound followed a steep decline in February and reflects renewed demand from agriculture, transport and industrial sectors.
The diesel recovery is particularly important for Pakistan’s economy, as the fuel plays a key role in trucking, farming machinery, and power generation in off-grid areas.
Domestic Energy Mix Shifts as Gas Supply Increases
Pakistan Petroleum Imports trends were also influenced by changes in the natural gas mix. Domestic gas supply increased by 12 percent month-on-month, reaching 3,055 mmcfd. As a result, domestic gas accounted for 94 percent of the total supply
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In contrast, RLNG imports fell sharply by 75 percent month-on-month to just 201 mmcfd. The decline indicates reduced reliance on expensive imported LNG cargoes during March. However, over the nine-month fiscal period, RLNG maintained an average share of around 23 percent, similar to last year.
This shift suggests short-term optimization of domestic resources while maintaining long-term LNG dependence.
Energy Exports Jump on Furnace Oil Shipments
On the export side, Pakistan’s energy exports increased by 20 percent month-on-month to 149,057 tonnes in March. The rise was driven entirely by furnace oil shipments, as there were no crude condensate or naphtha exports during the month.
Furnace oil exports reached 129,900 tonnes in March. While this figure was lower compared to the same month last year, cumulative exports for FY26 showed growth. During the nine-month period, furnace oil exports totaled 1.26 million tonnes, representing a 12 percent increase year-on-year.
Overall energy exports for the fiscal period stood at 1.50 million tonnes, marking a 6 percent annual increase.
Refinery Feed Mix Changes with Higher Local Production
Imported crude share in refinery feed declined to 74 percent in March from 79 percent in February. The change occurred as domestic crude production increased by 7 percent month-on-month to 64,915 barrels per day.
This improvement in local production slightly reduced reliance on imported crude and supported refinery operations.
Outlook for Pakistan Petroleum Imports
Pakistan Petroleum Imports are expected to remain closely tied to transportation demand, refinery throughput and global energy prices. Continued growth in fuel consumption signals stable economic activity, while fluctuations in LNG imports highlight efforts to manage import costs.
With refinery utilization increasing and domestic gas supply improving, Pakistan’s energy mix may continue evolving in the coming months. However, strong reliance on imported fuels suggests that petroleum imports will remain a key component of the country’s trade balance.