Three petrol cargoes are expected to reach Pakistan today, says petroleum minister

Federal and provincial authorities reviewed Pakistan’s fuel supply situation amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with officials warning that escalating conflict could push global oil prices higher and increase pressure on the country’s economy.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said three petrol cargoes are expected to reach Pakistan by Monday, as the government monitors the impact of the US–Israel conflict with Iran on global energy markets.

The issue was discussed during meetings held in Karachi and Lahore, where federal ministers and provincial leadership assessed petroleum reserves, demand patterns and contingency plans to ensure fuel availability.

At a meeting held at the Chief Minister House in Karachi, attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other officials, participants were briefed on global oil market developments and Pakistan’s current fuel reserves.

Officials said that if the conflict in the Middle East intensifies further, crude oil prices could rise to around $120 per barrel, increasing economic pressure on Pakistan.

The meeting also reviewed possible energy conservation measures to manage fuel consumption and maintain economic activity.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the federal government is closely monitoring international energy markets and preparing contingency plans to address the financial impact of higher oil prices.

He warned that if global crude prices increase sharply, Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill could rise by up to $600 million, adding pressure on the country’s external account.

Petroleum Minister Malik said conservation measures would help ensure that existing fuel reserves remain available for essential sectors.

Officials also informed the meeting that Qatar had declared force majeure, which could disrupt liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and create additional uncertainty in the energy market.

The federal government has intensified diplomatic contacts with Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates to secure alternative fuel supplies through routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

Participants agreed to strengthen coordination between federal and provincial authorities to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth fuel distribution across the country.

The government is also considering seeking relief in the petroleum levy during upcoming discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reduce the financial burden on consumers.

Separately, in Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Finance Minister Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Malik to review the impact of the conflict on petroleum supplies in Punjab.

Officials briefed the meeting on the availability of petrol, diesel, LNG and other fuels, while reviewing supply and demand conditions in the province.

The participants agreed on adopting fuel conservation measures to maintain balance between petroleum demand and supply.

The chief minister directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use and instructed the district administration to monitor petroleum distribution.

She also ordered strict action against hoarding and directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and the Transport Department to monitor fuel availability and enforce price regulations.

Officials were instructed to ensure that petroleum products are sold only at officially notified prices and that the public does not face long queues at petrol pumps.

The meetings concluded with officials agreeing to maintain close coordination to manage the evolving energy situation and protect economic stability.