Pakistan has 28 days of fuel stocks amid Gulf tensions

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has stated that Pakistan currently holds sufficient oil stocks to meet up to 28 days of national consumption, following pre-emptive imports made earlier this year.

Officials said the country has ample reserves of petrol and diesel despite disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Two crude oil cargoes bound for Pakistan have reportedly been delayed due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

According to international energy data, the strait handles an average of 20 million barrels of crude oil, condensate and fuel per day.

Major oil-exporting countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq, rely heavily on this route for exports.

“We have ample stocks of petrol and diesel to meet the country’s requirements,” officials said, adding that reserves are sufficient for approximately 28 days.

Sources said the regulator had anticipated rising tensions in the Middle East and maintained oil reserves for more than 25 days in January and 28 days in February through surplus imports.

While two crude cargoes are currently delayed, additional shipments are expected to arrive as scheduled.

The Petroleum Division had earlier directed Ogra to ensure adequate availability of crude oil and petroleum products and to monitor imports of petrol, diesel and LPG to avoid supply disruptions.