Pakistan recorded its highest petroleum exports during FY26 despite changing energy demand and import patterns nationwide.
Crude Oil Imports Rise as Refineries Boost Production
According to Arif Habib Limited, total petroleum imports increased three percent during FY26, reaching 17.6 million tonnes. Meanwhile, crude oil imports climbed 16 percent to 10.77 million tonnes during the fiscal year.
Higher crude imports encouraged local refineries to process more oil domestically. Consequently, refined fuel imports declined across the country.
Motor spirit imports fell four percent to 5.35 million tonnes during FY26. Similarly, high-speed diesel imports dropped 34 percent to 1.35 million tonnes.
Analysts linked the decline to weaker demand and stronger refinery operations. Moreover, reduced reliance on imported diesel reflected Pakistan’s changing fuel supply strategy.
Local crude oil production increased four percent, averaging 64,675 barrels per day. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s natural gas supply remained stable at 2,885 million cubic feet per day.
However, re-liquefied natural gas supply declined 28 percent to 665 million cubic feet per day. As a result, RLNG’s share in Pakistan’s gas mix fell from 24 percent to 19 percent.
Analysts attributed the decline mainly to supply disruptions affecting imported gas availability.
Petroleum Exports Gain Momentum During FY26
On the export front, Pakistan’s petroleum exports increased 10 percent to two million tonnes during FY26. Fuel oil exports surged 21 percent, reaching 1.74 million tonnes.
Although domestic fuel oil sales remained steady, overseas shipments gained greater importance. Exports accounted for 42 percent of total fuel oil sales, compared with 38 percent during FY25.
Therefore, export markets continued supporting Pakistan’s fuel sector despite weak domestic fuel oil demand. Overall, the latest figures highlighted stronger refinery activity and changing energy consumption patterns across Pakistan.
