KARACHI: Pakistan has successfully received multiple oil and gas shipments at Port Qasim to replenish national reserves amid ongoing global energy shortages. This development comes at a critical time as the country manages the economic fallout of regional tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Port Qasim Authority, three tankers carrying petrol and one carrying diesel have arrived to ensure the domestic supply remains uninterrupted for the coming weeks.
A marine tanker named Torm Damini recently completed the offloading of 37,000 tonnes of diesel. Following this, the vessel Nave Atropos, carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol, is scheduled to berth this week. Two additional tankers, Spruce 2 and Sea Clipper, are also expected to discharge nearly 90,000 tonnes of petrol combined by March 14. These arrivals are part of a strategic move by the government to maintain a 25-day buffer for both petrol and diesel.
In addition to liquid fuels, the Port Qasim Authority confirmed the arrival of four ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas. Vessels including Navigator Atlantic and Navigator Aries are currently discharging thousands of tonnes of LPG sourced from Oman and Iraq. This influx of fuel is expected to provide much-needed relief to the energy sector and stabilize the local market.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted that Saudi Arabia has played a vital role in helping Pakistan procure these essential commodities. Through arrangements at Yanbu port and assistance with vessel logistics, the Saudi government has supported Pakistan’s efforts to bypass regional trade hurdles. The minister also noted that despite global price volatility, the government is working on strategies to buffer local consumers from significant price hikes through conservation measures and administrative belt-tightening.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the finance and petroleum ministries to collaborate with provincial governments to ensure an efficient distribution network. While insurance challenges persist for certain ship transfers in the region, the current stock levels provide a temporary sense of security for the Pakistani economy. Officials remain optimistic that the steady arrival of shipments will prevent any immediate fuel dry-up in the country.
