Pakistan’s petroleum consumption witnessed a robust year-on-year growth of 5% in March 2025, with total sales climbing to 1.22 million tons, according to a detailed research report by Arif Habib Ltd (AHL). Authored by equity research analysts Muhammad Iqbal and Menka Kirpalani, the report attributes the surge to a confluence of seasonal demand, price-driven consumption, and tighter control over smuggled petroleum products.
The analysts noted that Ramadan and Eid festivities played a pivotal role in this upswing, as intercity travel and economic activity surged, particularly during the latter half of the month. With March marking both the end of Ramadan and the onset of Eid holidays, road and freight traffic rose significantly, boosting demand for motor spirit (MS) and high-speed diesel (HSD). The content in this publication is expensive to produce. But unlike other journalistic outfits, business publications have to cover the very organizations that directly give them advertisements. Hence, this large source of revenue, which is the lifeblood of other media houses, is severely compromised on account of Profit’s no-compromise policy when it comes to our reporting. No wonder, Profit has lost multiple ad deals, worth tens of millions of rupees, due to stories that held big businesses to account. Hence, for our work to continue unfettered, it must be supported by discerning readers who know the value of quality business journalism, not just for the economy but for the society as a whole.To read the full article, subscribe and support independent business journalism in Pakistan
