For an oil-importing nation like Pakistan, fuel reserves are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they are the difference between economic stability and national crisis. The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel attack on Iran exposed a long-standing vulnerability: Pakistan, despite being heavily dependent on imported oil, remains among the few major oil-importing countries without a functional strategic petroleum reserve. And these reserve pakistan have, they can not remain stable for months in wars or other abnormal days.
Today, I provide a comprehensive, data-driven overview of Pakistan’s fuel reserves and government efforts to secure energy supply. All data is verified against official government sources and international energy statistics.
The Current State – What Fuel Reserves Does Pakistan Actually Have?
Domestic Oil Production vs Consumption
Pakistan’s domestic oil production meets only a fraction of its consumption needs. The gap is filled through imports.
Metric | Value |
Proven Oil Reserves (2025) | 243 million barrels |
Global Rank | #52 |
Share of World Reserves | 0.014% |
Daily Oil Production (2024) | 81,426 barrels |
Daily Oil Consumption (2024) | 479,218 barrels |
Daily Deficit | -397,792 barrels |
Years of Oil Left | Approximately 1 year (at 2024 consumption levels) |
Source; Worldo meters
Key Insight: Pakistan’s proven reserves are equivalent to only 1.4 times its annual consumption. Without imports, the country would run out of oil within one year.
Import Dependency – The Critical Vulnerability
Pakistan imports the vast majority of its petroleum requirements.
Import Metric | Value |
Net Oil Imports | 39% of consumption (2018 data) |
Oil Imports | 40% of consumption |
Crude Oil Import Average (2024) | ~137,000 barrels per day |
Sources: Worldometers, Oil PriceÂ
What This Means: Every disruption in global supply chains, whether due to war, sanctions, or natural disasters, directly impacts Pakistan’s energy security and consumer prices.
Commercial Reserves – The Only Buffer Pakistan Has
Unlike countries with strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs), Pakistan relies entirely on commercial reserves held by oil marketing companies (OMCs) such as PSO, Shell, and Total Parco.
Current Commercial Reserve Levels (March 2026)
According to official briefings to the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum:
Fuel Type | Reserve Coverage |
Petrol | 27 days |
High Speed Diesel | 21 days |
Jet Fuel (JP-1) | 14 days |
Crude Oil | 11 days |
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) | 9 days |
Sources: Pakistan Today, March 16, 2026
Commercial vs Strategic Reserves – A Critical Distinction
The oil sector has drawn a clear distinction between the two:
Source: The News, March 4, 2026Â
“Pakistan currently maintains around 25 days of petroleum product stocks as commercial reserves. Strategic reserves, by contrast, are typically maintained by governments or state agencies, involve substantial costs and primarily consist of crude oil rather than refined petroleum products.”
— Oil sector officials, The News, March 4, 2026
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve – A Long-Overdue Decision
The Legal Mandate (1983)
The Federal War Book 1983, drafted during General Zia-ul-Haq’s era, explicitly mandated that Pakistan maintain strategic oil reserves equal to 45 days of national demand. In 2006, under President Pervez Musharraf, the requirement was further expanded to 60 days.
Despite these clear mandates, these requirements have never been fulfilled.
 Government’s In-Principle Decision (March 2026)
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz finally pushed the government to act. On March 30, 2026, the federal government announced an in-principle decision to establish strategic petroleum reserves to deal with a possible energy crisis, directing relevant authorities to prepare a formal framework.
Key outcomes of the cabinet committee meeting under Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb:
- Crude oil reserves available for about 11 days, with additional shipments on the way to meet refinery requirements through April
- Planning for petroleum product imports for April is actively underway, with large supplies already secured under commercial and government agreements
- Efforts to run refineries at full capacity to maximise local production
- Emphasis on prudent procurement decisions to prioritise lower-cost sources while ensuring transparency
Historical Context – Missed Opportunities
The absence of a strategic reserve is not due to a lack of proposals. Over the years, both local and international consultants have conducted studies, prepared detailed reports and outlined roadmaps. However, these recommendations have yet to be implemented, leaving the country’s energy security exposed to external shocks, supply disruptions, and price volatility.
Key observation by oil sector officials: “In an increasingly uncertain global environment, the absence of a strategic oil reserve is not merely an administrative gap but a significant national vulnerability.”
How Pakistan Compares Regionally
Country | Strategic Reserve Coverage |
India | ~74 days |
China | ~90+ days (classified) |
Japan | ~200+ days |
Pakistan (current) | 0 days (strategic) |
Pakistan (legal mandate) | 45-60 days (unfulfilled) |
Â
Domestic Oil Discoveries – Can Pakistan Reduce Import Dependency?
Recent Discoveries (2025-2026)
Pakistan has seen encouraging developments in domestic oil exploration.
January 2026 Discovery:
OGDCL announced a significant oil and gas discovery in its Baragzai X-01 exploratory well in the Nashpa Block of Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The company will produce about 3,100 barrels of crude oil and 8.15 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. This is the third discovery at this site within a month and will add around 14.5% to the country’s domestic crude output, helping reduce reliance on costly energy imports.
First Half 2025 Growth:
According to data compiled by Intermarket Securities Limited, Pakistan’s overall oil reserves increased 3% to 239.6 million barrels, while gas reserves rose by 5% to 19 trillion cubic feet (tcf). Recoverable oil reserves climbed to 240 million barrels, mainly due to additions from the Shewa and Pindori fields.
2024 Reserve Upgrade
Pakistan recorded its first substantial increase in domestic oil reserves since 2020, with a 23% annual increase to 238 million barrels as of December 2024. Key fields contributing to the increase include Pasakhi/Pasakhi North East, Rajian, Kunar, Sono, Thora, Jhandial, and Lashari Centre.
The Potential – Unconventional Reserves
According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), Pakistan may have over 9 billion barrels of petroleum oil and 105 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (including shale gas) in unconventional reserves. Tapping these resources could transform Pakistan’s energy landscape, but it requires significant investment, technology, and time.
Import Strategy & Supply Chain Security
Traditional Supply Routes – The Strait of Hormuz Dependency
Approximately 70% of Pakistan’s petrol imports originate from the Middle East. Almost all of Pakistan’s crude oil and diesel imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country highly vulnerable to any blockade or military escalation in the region.
Alternative Sources Developed After the Crisis
Following the Strait of Hormuz closure, Pakistan pivoted to alternative sources:
Source | Status |
Oman | Three petrol cargoes and one diesel shipment were imported in March; two additional petrol shipments are expected |
Fujairah (UAE) | Additional shipments reinforcing domestic reserves |
Yanbu (Saudi Arabia) | Saudi assurance of oil supplies through the Red Sea port (via Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts) |
United States | Pakistan is actively considering its first-ever US crude oil imports to reduce its trade surplus with America |
Supply Assurance for April 2026
As of late March 2026, Pakistan’s fuel reserves exceeded four weeks, with supplies for both March and April fully secured. The Adviser to the Finance Minister, Khurram Shehzad, assured the public that the country’s petroleum reserves are stable and improving, easing concerns about fuel shortages in the coming months.
Government Response & Subsidies
Price Differential Claims (PDCs)
To shield consumers from the full impact of global price surges, the government absorbed Rs129 billion in fuel subsidies between March 7 and April 3, 2026. This included:
- Petrol PDC: Rs49.63 per litre (March 14-20)
- Diesel PDC: Rs75.05 per litre (March 14-20)
The Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund (Rs27.1 billion allocation) and other fiscal adjustments funded these subsidies.
Targeted Subsidies (Continued)
Sector | Subsidy |
Motorcyclists | Rs100 per litre (up to 20 litres/month) |
Small Farmers | Rs1,500 per acre for harvesting costs |
Public Transport | Rs70,000–100,000 monthly support for trucks and buses |
Goods Transport | Rs70,000–80,000 per month |
Austerity Measures
The government also implemented austerity measures to generate savings:
- Federal cabinet members voluntarily surrendered two months’ salaries
- 50% reduction in government fuel consumption
- Restrictions on the use of official vehicles
- Rs100 billion savings generated through cuts in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)
Suggested Image: An infographic showing government relief measures with icons (bikers, farmers, transport, austerity)
Energy Crisis Outlook – What to Expect
Short-Term (April-May 2026)
Factor | Outlook |
Strait of Hormuz | Ceasefire in effect; Strait reopened for 2 weeks (as of April 8, 2026) |
Global Oil Prices | Brent crude fell to ~$93/barrel after the ceasefire |
Domestic Reserves | Sufficient for 27 days of petrol, 21 days of diesel (as of March 16, 2026) |
Import Coverage | Supplies secured through April |
Medium-Term (2026-2027)
Initiative | Status |
Strategic Petroleum Reserve | In-principle decision made; framework being prepared |
Alternative Import Routes | Oman, UAE, and Saudi Yanbu routes are operational |
US Crude Imports | Under active consideration |
Domestic Exploration | Ongoing with discoveries |
Long-Term Recommendations
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has emphasised the importance of:
- Expanding strategic petroleum reserves to provide a buffer against global shocks
- Diversifying energy imports beyond the Strait of Hormuz
- Accelerating investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce Pakistan’s vulnerability to global oil shocks
FAQ
Pakistan’s proven oil reserves are estimated to be between 240 million and 353 million barrels. For context, its daily production averages between 60,000 and 75,000 barrels, and these reserves are far less than India’s estimated 4.8 to 5 billion barrels.
Saudi Arabia possesses the world’s second-largest proven oil reserves. As of 2025, its reserves were estimated at approximately 267.2 billion barrels
Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, estimated at around 303 billion barrels as of 2025
Yes, Pakistan is a significant exporter of fuel oil, specifically high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO). In 2025, its exports reached a record high of over 1.4 million tonnes (about 8.9 million barrels), marking a more than 16% increase from the previous year. The majority of these exports are destined for markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Pakistan’s export economy is diverse, but its top exports are heavily concentrated in the textile sector. While an exact list of the “top 5” can vary with monthly data, key export commodities consistently include:
Knitwear
Readymade Garments
Bed Wear
Cotton Yarn
Rice (Pakistan is a major global exporter).
The “Seven Sisters” is a historic term for a cartel of seven multinational oil companies that dominated the global petroleum industry from the 1940s to the 1970s. The original members were:
Standard Oil of New Jersey (Esso, later part of ExxonMobil)
Royal Dutch Shell
Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later BP)
Standard Oil of New York (Socony, later part of ExxonMobil)
Standard Oil of California (later Chevron)
Texaco
Gulf Oil
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is a state-owned enterprise. The Government of Pakistan is the majority shareholder, owning approximately 67.51% to 71% of the company. The remaining shares are held by the PPL Employees Empowerment Trust (around 7%) and private investors (around 22%).
 Following the Strait of Hormuz closure, Pakistan secured supplies from Oman, UAE (Fujairah), and Saudi Arabia (Yanbu port). Pakistan is also actively considering first-ever crude oil imports from the United States.