KARACHI: Pakistan imported more than 17 million tonnes of crude oil and refined petroleum products during fiscal year 2025-26, with crude oil accounting for the largest share of total arrivals as the country’s refineries continued to rely heavily on imported feedstock to meet domestic fuel demand.
Data released by the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) showed total petroleum imports reached about 17.8 million tonnes during July-June FY26. The import basket comprised crude oil, high-speed diesel (HSD), motor gasoline (Mogas), JP-1 aviation fuel and 95 RON gasoline.
Crude oil remained the dominant import, with total arrivals of approximately 10.83 million tonnes, accounting for more than half of Pakistan’s overall petroleum imports during the fiscal year. Most crude cargoes were discharged at Keamari, while the remainder was handled through the Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility.
Motor gasoline was the second-largest imported petroleum product. Pakistan imported around 5.1 million tonnes of 92 RON Mogas during FY26, reflecting sustained domestic demand for petrol despite higher local refinery production. Imports were routed through both Keamari and the FOTCO terminal.
In addition, the country imported about 155,083 tonnes of premium 95 RON gasoline to meet demand from high-end vehicles, along with 4,788 tonnes of 97 RON high-octane gasoline.Imports of high-speed diesel totalled approximately 1.34 million tonnes during the fiscal year. Diesel cargoes were received through both Keamari and FOTCO, with FOTCO accounting for the larger share of HSD imports. The figures indicate that Pakistan continued to rely on imported diesel despite domestic refinery output, particularly during periods of higher seasonal demand.
OCAC data also showed that imports of JP-1 aviation fuel stood at around 130,529 tonnes during FY26.Monthly import trends showed fluctuations in crude oil purchases, reflecting refinery maintenance schedules, international oil price movements and inventory management by refiners and oil marketing companies. Crude oil imports exceeded one million tonnes in several months, while gasoline imports also varied in line with domestic consumption patterns and refinery production.
The data suggests the energy sector remains heavily dependent on imported petroleum despite ongoing efforts to boost indigenous energy production and expand refinery capacity. Industry officials said petroleum import volumes remain closely linked to economic activity, transport demand and refinery operations.
“The expected expansion in domestic refining capacity could gradually reduce dependence on imported refined products, although crude oil imports are expected to remain substantial in the near term,” they said.
