KARACHI: Pakistan’s fuel supply lines continue to operate in a “stable and orderly manner,” the Pakistani finance ministry said on Tuesday, amid widespread disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict.
Global oil markets have been rattled by ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on US interests across the region, disrupting key air and sea routes in the Middle East.
The confrontation has particularly disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, pushing crude prices higher and raising concerns for fuel import-dependent countries such as Pakistan.
On Tuesday, Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the cabinet committee to monitor fuel prices after the Eid Al-Fitr holiday to review availability of crude oil and refined petroleum products across the energy value chain.
“Members were informed that overall inventories remain at comfortable levels, supported by secured import arrangements and ongoing production,” the finance ministry said in a statement.
“Supply lines from import terminals to refineries, storage installations, and retail outlets were reported to be operating in a stable and orderly manner, ensuring continuity of supply across the country.”
The increase in global energy prices forced Pakistan to raise petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per liter, while also introduced austerity measures to curb fuel consumption.
Pakistan fears prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz could strain energy stocks, raise shipping costs, and trigger a balance of payments crisis, though the cabinet committee was briefed that cargoes for the month of March and April had largely been secured.
“Cargo inflows continue as scheduled and petrol cargoes for March and now for April have largely been secured, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply buffers,” the finance ministry said, citing officials at Tuesday’s meeting.
“Refineries are operating at regular production levels, with efforts underway to maintain optimal throughput and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude.”
Officials at the meeting particularly stressed the need for operational readiness across the domestic energy chain and underscored that refineries must continue operating at “optimal throughput levels” to sustain supply stability and reduce systemic vulnerabilities.
“Ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remains the government’s foremost priority and emphasized that sustained coordination and prudent planning will continue to guide efforts to maintain market stability and safeguard national energy security,” Finance Minister Aurangzeb was quoted as saying.
