Karachi, April 5, 2025 – Pakistan’s petroleum sales witnessed a 5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in March 2025, reaching a total of 1.22 million tons.
This growth marks a notable uptick in sales, driven by a confluence of seasonal and economic factors.
Analysts at Arif Habib Limited credited the YoY increase in petroleum sales to several key elements: increased intercity travel due to Eid festivities, heightened economic activity during Ramadan, a notable decline in petroleum prices encouraging higher consumption, a crackdown on smuggled petroleum products from Iran, and a surge in automobile sales.
In terms of individual fuel types, High Speed Diesel (HSD) led the way with a 5% YoY rise in sales, reaching 0.49 million tons in March 2025, compared to 0.43 million tons in March 2024. The growth in HSD sales is primarily linked to a 9.7% YoY drop in prices, making it more attractive to consumers and industries alike.
Motor Spirit (MS), commonly known as petrol, also showed a modest 1% YoY increase, totaling 0.58 million tons. The 8.6% YoY decline in MS prices helped sustain demand. Meanwhile, Furnace Oil (FO) sales jumped by 22% YoY to 0.05 million tons, supported by increased reliance on FO-based power generation.
On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, total petroleum sales rose by 7% in March 2025, benefitting from increased travel during the festive season, more days in March than February, and favorable petroleum prices. Specifically, MS, HSD, and FO dispatches increased by 4%, 14%, and 2% MoM, respectively.
Cumulatively, for the first nine months of FY2024-25 (9MFY25), total petroleum sales reached 11.76 million tons, up 4% from 11.34 million tons in the same period last year. The breakdown includes 5.5 million tons of MS, 4.98 million tons of HSD, and 0.51 million tons of FO.
Company-wise, PSO’s sales declined by 14% YoY in March 2025, while APL posted a 2% increase. SHEL’s sales dropped by 7% YoY, and HASCOL stood out with a 95% YoY surge. GO’s market share climbed significantly to 10% in 9MFY25 from 3% in the previous year, signaling a growing presence in the petroleum market.
Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) collection for 9MFY25 stood at PKR 819 billion, with a monthly average of PKR 91 billion, compared to the federal target of PKR 1,281 billion for FY25.