Finance Ministry says Pakistan has ‘largely secured’ gasoline shipments for March and April

The Gasoline Price Monitoring Committee was informed on Tuesday that the country has largely secured gasoline shipments for March and April, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply reserves.

Earlier this month, the government sharply increased diesel and gasoline prices by 55 rupees per liter, or 20%, citing disruptions to global supply chains caused by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high.

Following the surge, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted a monitoring committee to monitor prices and movement of petroleum products after global oil supply lines were disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East conflict.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, a committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to review the energy supply situation and assess developments in global oil and gas markets amid evolving geopolitical conditions.

Meeting participants were briefed on inbound logistics and maritime operations supporting fuel supplies, adding that cargo flows were continuing as scheduled, “with gasoline shipments for March and April largely secured and additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply reserves.”

The committee carried out a forward-looking assessment of the domestic oil supply outlook, reviewing the availability of crude oil and refined petroleum products stocks across the energy value chain.

Members were informed that overall stocks remained at comfortable levels, supported by secured import agreements and ongoing production. Supply lines from import terminals to refineries, storage facilities and retail outlets were reported to be operating in a stable and orderly manner, ensuring continuity of supply throughout the country.

Read: Government imposes Rs 200 tax on high octane fuel

Refineries were reported to be operating at regular production levels, and efforts were being made to maintain optimal performance and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude oil.

Addressing the meeting, Aurangzeb said proactive planning, diversified procurement strategies and close coordination among stakeholders had enabled Pakistan to maintain a stable domestic supply position despite global volatility.

“All relevant authorities will continue to closely monitor international developments, stock levels and supply chain dynamics to ensure timely and coordinated policy responses,” he ordered.

The Finance Minister reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remained the government’s top priority, adding that sustained coordination and prudent planning would guide efforts to maintain market stability and safeguard national energy security.

Read also: Government urges public to adopt more austerity measures and cooperate to conserve energy amid Middle East fuel crisis

The committee also emphasized operational readiness across the national energy chain, underscoring that refineries must continue to operate at optimal performance levels to maintain supply stability and reduce systemic vulnerabilities.

It also reviewed international energy market trends and geopolitical developments affecting global supply dynamics.

Additionally, members were briefed on ongoing government-to-government engagements aimed at strengthening supply resilience and mitigating risks.

Diversified sourcing strategies and logistics agreements were discussed with key partner countries to secure crude and refined products, improve storage and transshipment options and ensure flexibility in procurement and financing mechanisms.