Pakistan recorded higher Oil Imports during the fiscal year 2025-26, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited. The increase was mainly driven by higher crude oil purchases, while imports of refined petroleum products and re-liquefied natural gas (RLNG) declined.
The latest figures show changes in the country’s energy consumption, refinery activity, and fuel supply pattern. Higher crude purchases also helped support increased local refinery operations during the year.
Crude Oil Imports Show Strong Growth
Pakistan’s total petroleum imports reached 17.6 million tons during FY26. This represents a 3 percent increase compared with the previous fiscal year.
The biggest contribution came from crude Oil Imports, which increased 16 percent to 10.77 million tons. The higher volume allowed local refineries to process more crude oil instead of relying on imported refined fuels.
The shift reflects a greater focus on domestic refining capacity and a changing fuel supply strategy.
Refined Fuel Imports Decline
While crude Oil Imports increased, imports of refined petroleum products moved in the opposite direction.
Motor spirit, commonly known as petrol, imports declined 4 percent to 5.35 million tons.
Imports of high-speed diesel (HSD) dropped even more sharply. They fell 34 percent to 1.35 million tons during FY26.
Analysts linked the decline to lower fuel demand, improved refinery performance, and reduced dependence on imported diesel products.
At the same time, Pakistan’s local crude oil production also improved. Domestic production increased 4 percent, reaching 64,675 barrels of oil per day.
RLNG Supply Falls
Pakistan’s natural gas supply remained largely stable during the fiscal year. Average gas supply stood at 2,885 million cubic feet per day.
However, RLNG supply declined significantly. The average RLNG supply fell 28 percent to 665 million cubic feet per day.
As a result, RLNG’s share in Pakistan’s overall gas mix dropped from 24 percent in FY25 to 19 percent in FY26.
The decline was mainly linked to supply disruptions that affected RLNG availability during the year.
Petroleum Exports Continue to Grow
Pakistan also recorded higher petroleum exports in FY26. Total exports increased 10 percent and reached 2 million tons.
Fuel oil exports led the growth. They increased 21 percent to 1.74 million tons during the fiscal year.
Although domestic fuel oil sales remained mostly unchanged, exports accounted for a larger share of total sales.
Exports represented 42 percent of fuel oil sales in FY26, compared with 38 percent in the previous fiscal year.
This trend highlights Pakistan’s continued reliance on export markets as domestic demand for fuel oil remained relatively weak.
Changing Energy Supply Pattern
The latest data suggests that Pakistan’s energy sector is gradually changing its supply mix. Higher Oil Imports in the form of crude oil supported local refining, while reduced imports of refined fuels reflected greater refinery output.
At the same time, declining RLNG supplies and rising petroleum exports indicate shifts in both domestic energy demand and international trade.
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These trends provide a clearer picture of how Pakistan’s energy market evolved during FY26, with greater emphasis on crude processing, improved refinery utilization, and stronger petroleum exports.
