ISLAMABAD, April 16, 2026 — Pakistan recorded a sharp increase in petroleum imports in March 2026 despite global supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, official data showed on Thursday.
Imports of petroleum products rose 46% month-on-month to $415 million in March, up from $284 million in February, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). However, the figure remained below $501 million recorded in March 2025.
Crude oil imports also posted a significant rise, increasing 53% to $647 million in March, compared with $423 million in February and $432 million in the same month last year.
Overall, the petroleum group import bill climbed 24% to $1.22 billion in March from $982.85 million a month earlier, though it was marginally lower than $1.24 billion in March 2025.
The increase comes at a time when global oil markets have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for energy supplies from the Gulf region.
Despite the supply shock, analysts said Pakistan managed to sustain fuel imports through diplomatic engagement, allowing limited movement of oil tankers through the strategic waterway.
The rise in imports suggests efforts by authorities to secure energy supplies amid heightened uncertainty and to avoid domestic shortages.
However, on a cumulative basis, petroleum group imports declined 5% to $11.25 billion during the first nine months (July–March) of the fiscal year 2025–26, compared with $11.95 billion in the same period last year.
The data reflects both volatile global energy markets and Pakistan’s balancing act between managing import costs and ensuring adequate fuel availability.