Export volumes and earnings from petroleum crude witness sharp decline as overseas shipments fall significantly during fiscal year 2025-26.
Pakistan’s petroleum crude exports recorded a substantial decline during fiscal year 2025-26, as both export volumes and earnings dropped sharply compared to the previous fiscal year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The latest statistics revealed that Pakistan exported 40,646 metric tonnes of petroleum crude during FY2025-26, significantly lower than the 80,436 metric tonnes shipped in FY2024-25. This represents a 49.47 percent decline in export quantity on a year-on-year basis.
Export Earnings Witness Significant Drop
The decline in export volumes was accompanied by a sharp fall in export earnings. Pakistan earned Rs5.59 billion from petroleum crude exports during FY2025-26, compared to Rs11.8 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year.
The figures indicate a 52.76 percent decrease in export proceeds measured in local currency, reflecting weaker export performance during the fiscal year under review.
Similarly, export receipts in dollar terms also posted a significant contraction. Petroleum crude exports generated $19.9 million in FY2025-26, down from $42.28 million in FY2024-25.
Dollar Earnings Decline Over 52 Percent
According to PBS data, export earnings in dollar terms registered a 52.89 percent decline during FY2025-26 compared with the previous fiscal year. The drop highlights reduced overseas demand and lower shipment volumes of petroleum crude from Pakistan.
The decline in both quantity and value suggests a challenging year for the country’s petroleum crude export segment, which contributes to Pakistan’s overall export basket.
Impact on Trade Performance
The sharp reduction in petroleum crude exports comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to enhance export revenues and improve its external sector performance.
Lower export volumes and earnings from petroleum crude may affect the overall contribution of the energy sector to national exports.
Analysts believe that fluctuations in global energy markets, changes in international demand, and domestic production trends could have influenced the decline in petroleum crude exports during FY2025-26.
The PBS data underscores the need for sustained efforts to strengthen export-oriented sectors and diversify revenue streams to support Pakistan’s long-term trade growth objectives.