Pakistan airports hold 10–12 days jet fuel stock amid supply disruptions

Major airports across Pakistan are maintaining jet fuel reserves sufficient for 10 to 12 days, providing a buffer to sustain aviation operations amid ongoing supply disruptions.

According to a news report, the stock cover comes as maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have halted incoming jet fuel cargoes, with none currently in transit to the country.

Pakistan State Oil said it is coordinating with local refineries to manage supply and meet routine demand through domestic allocations.

The company said aviation fuel supply is being maintained through a combination of imported cargoes and refinery output, despite constraints on traditional import routes due to regional security conditions.

Authorities have issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advisories in recent weeks, urging airlines to minimise jet fuel uplift from Pakistani airports and carry additional fuel from international hubs.

Industry officials said the precautionary measure follows disruptions in Jet A-1 supply chains during March and April 2026.

Global aviation representatives have warned that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, restoration of supply chains could take months due to disruptions in refining capacity in the Middle East.

Fuel prices have remained volatile. For April, the government reduced jet fuel prices by Rs23 per litre to Rs471.01, following a previous increase that had pushed prices to Rs494.71 per litre.

Since the start of the conflict, aviation fuel prices have risen by Rs288 per litre, increasing operating costs for airlines and leading to higher fares on domestic and international routes.

Pakistan State Oil, which holds around 99% of the domestic jet fuel market, supplies fuel to about 15 major airports using a network of refuelling infrastructure. The company sold approximately 326,000 tonnes of jet fuel in the first half of FY2025-26.

Analysts said Asia and Europe are likely to face the earliest impact from prolonged supply disruptions due to their dependence on Gulf-based refining and shipping routes, with some flight cancellations already reported in affected regions.