Pakistan’s crude oil imports rose 16 percent during FY26 as local refineries increased domestic processing, while petroleum exports climbed to their highest level of the fiscal year, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited.
Total petroleum imports increased 3 percent year-on-year to 17.6 million tonnes, driven by crude oil imports, which reached 10.77 million tonnes. The increase came as refineries processed more crude locally, reducing reliance on imported refined fuels.
Imports of motor spirit (petrol) fell 4 percent to 5.35 million tonnes, while high-speed diesel (HSD) imports plunged 34 percent to 1.35 million tonnes. Analysts attributed the decline to lower diesel demand, improved refinery utilization, and reduced dependence on imported fuel.
Domestic crude oil production also improved, rising 4 percent to an average of 64,675 barrels per day.
Pakistan’s natural gas supply remained largely unchanged at 2,885 million cubic feet per day, but re-liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supply declined 28 percent to 665 million cubic feet per day. As a result, RLNG’s share in the country’s gas mix fell to 19 percent, down from 24 percent a year earlier, mainly due to supply disruptions.
On the export side, petroleum product exports increased 10 percent to 2 million tonnes during FY26, led by a 21 percent jump in fuel oil exports to 1.74 million tonnes.
Despite stable domestic fuel oil sales, exports accounted for 42 percent of total fuel oil sales, up from 38 percent in FY25, highlighting Pakistan’s growing reliance on overseas markets amid subdued local demand.
