Islamabad, March 1, 2026 — The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has directed all oil sector stakeholders to ensure sufficient stocks of petroleum products across Pakistan amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following fresh military strikes involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In a notification issued on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the OGRA Director General instructed all local refineries, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and relevant government divisions to maintain adequate reserves of crude oil and key petroleum products, including Motor Spirit (MS), High-Speed Diesel (HSD), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), to prevent any potential supply disruptions.
“All stakeholders are directed to ensure the availability of adequate stocks of crude and petroleum products (MS, HSD & LPG) in the country to avoid any supply disruption due to the prevailing security situation in the Gulf,” the notification stated, adding that compliance reports must be submitted on a priority basis.
Middle East Tensions Trigger Energy Supply Concerns
The directive follows a dramatic escalation in the Middle East after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have reignited fears of a broader regional conflict and cast doubts over diplomatic efforts to resolve longstanding tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
In retaliation, Iran reportedly targeted Israeli positions and US military bases across the region, with explosions reported in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. The fast-developing situation has sparked concerns about possible disruptions to oil and gas supply routes in the Gulf, a critical energy corridor for global and Pakistani energy imports.
Pakistan Moves to Secure Fuel Supply
Given Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum products, OGRA’s move is aimed at strengthening energy security, stabilizing domestic fuel markets, and preventing panic buying or supply chain disruptions.
Industry sources said oil companies have been advised to boost inventory levels, streamline logistics, and enhance coordination with refineries and port authorities to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide.
Market Watch
Energy analysts warn that prolonged conflict in the Middle East could push global oil prices higher, potentially impacting fuel prices, inflation, and trade balance in Pakistan. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and may take additional measures if the crisis intensifies.