Pakistan holds fuel reserves for 27 days, LNG for 9 days amid Middle East disruptions, Senate panel told

Petroleum Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh revealed, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, that Pakistan has fuel reserves sufficient for 27 days, with high-speed diesel stocks for 21 days, jet fuel for 14 days, crude oil for 11 days and liquefied natural gas for nine days, the petroleum secretary told a Senate committee amid supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

The Petroleum Division informed the committee that around 70% of petrol imports originate from the Middle East, and disruptions to shipping routes have affected supply chains and increased domestic prices.

Officials said global prices have risen sharply, with high-speed diesel increasing from $88 to $187 and petrol from $74 to $130 since the start of the conflict.

The committee was also told that LNG imports from Qatar have been disrupted since March 2. Of eight cargoes scheduled for March, only two were delivered.

An emergency gas supply plan for March 2026 was presented, with officials stating that domestic gas production has been increased to partially offset the shortfall in imported LNG.

Gas supply to key sectors has been reduced, including a cut to a fertiliser plant by 50 percent and a reduction in supply to the power sector from 300 million cubic feet per day to 130 MMCFD.

Officials said LNG supplies may not be available after April 14, and gas requirements for the power sector in April may need to be met through alternative sources.

They added that LNG could be procured from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic, though spot purchases would cost about $24 per unit compared to $9 per unit under existing Qatar agreements.

The committee was informed that a ministerial committee has been formed to monitor petroleum supplies on a daily basis and assess the evolving situation.

Officials also stated that fuel price adjustments were implemented to discourage hoarding and ensure continued imports by oil marketing companies.

The government is also working on a relief package targeting motorcycle and rickshaw users to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.