Pakistan’s petroleum imports increased in March as demand for transport fuels remained firm, even as global and local prices stayed high.
Data released by brokerage firm Arif Habib Limited showed that total imports of petroleum, oil and lubricants reached 1.34 million metric tonnes during March 2026. This marked a 4 percent rise compared to February, while volumes remained almost unchanged from the same month last year.
Over the first nine months of the current fiscal year, fuel imports have continued to grow. The country brought in 13.28 million tonnes during this period, up 6 percent from 12.49 million tonnes a year earlier.
Petrol keeps leading the import mix
Motor gasoline remained the main driver of imports, making up 82 percent of total petroleum product volumes in March. This share was close to last year’s level and reflects steady demand from the transport sector, despite higher retail fuel prices.
In contrast, crude oil imports fell during the month. Shipments dropped 9 percent from February to 765,263 tonnes and were also slightly lower compared to March last year.
However, the broader trend shows rising crude intake. For the July to March period, crude imports reached 7.84 million tonnes, which is 17 percent higher than the same period last year. This suggests refineries have been operating at higher levels during the current fiscal year.
Diesel imports recover after earlier drop
High speed diesel imports saw a sharp rebound in March, rising 153 percent from the previous month to 104,689 tonnes. The increase follows a noticeable dip recorded in February.
At the same time, the share of imported crude used by refineries declined to 74 percent in March from 79 percent in February. This came as local crude production picked up by 7 percent to 64,915 barrels per day.
Local gas supply increases sharply
The country’s gas supply mix also shifted during the month. Domestic gas production rose 12 percent to 3,055 million cubic feet per day, taking its share in the total supply to 94 percent.
As a result, imports of re-gasified liquefied natural gas dropped sharply. RLNG volumes fell 75 percent compared to February, reaching just 201 million cubic feet per day.
Despite this monthly decline, RLNG still holds a stable role over the longer term. Its share in the overall gas mix during the first nine months of the fiscal year stands at 23 percent, nearly unchanged from last year.
Energy exports post monthly jump
On the export side, energy shipments increased during March. Total exports rose 20 percent from the previous month to 149,057 tonnes, mainly due to higher furnace oil exports.
Furnace oil exports stood at 129,900 tonnes. While this was lower than the same month last year, cumulative exports for the fiscal year reached 1.26 million tonnes, up 12 percent on a yearly basis.
Overall energy exports for the July to March period totalled 1.50 million tonnes, showing a 6 percent increase compared to last year.
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