Pakistan moved to stabilise its fuel supply after panic buying triggered long queues at petrol stations following a sharp rise in petroleum prices amid growing regional tensions.
Authorities took urgent steps to conserve fuel and manage reserves as fears of shortages spread across major cities, prompting increased monitoring of supply chains nationwide.
According to the Port Qasim Authority, multiple oil and gas tankers have arrived at Port Qasim, significantly boosting the country’s fuel reserves during a period of global supply uncertainty.
The tanker Torm Damini reached the port on March 8 and successfully discharged 37,000 tonnes of diesel, providing immediate relief to domestic fuel stocks. Three additional vessels carrying petrol have also entered Pakistani waters and are scheduled to berth in the coming days.
One ship transporting 50,000 tonnes of petrol is expected to dock shortly, with unloading operations estimated to take around 30 hours. Another tanker, Spruce 2, carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, is set to arrive on Thursday, while Sea Clipper, loaded with 34,000 tonnes, is expected between March 13 and 14. Officials further confirmed that an additional shipment for Pakistan State Oil is anticipated after March 16.
Shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have also been arriving to support domestic energy demand, helping ease pressure on household fuel consumption.
Despite the fresh arrivals, officials remain cautious, noting that Pakistan currently holds fuel reserves sufficient for approximately 25 days. Supply concerns have intensified due to disruptions in shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the finance and petroleum ministries to coordinate with provincial governments to implement fuel conservation strategies and ensure stable nationwide availability of petroleum products.
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