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Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: In the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Iran conflict 2025, the federal government of Pakistan has taken a significant decision to safeguard national energy reserves. Amid fears of a looming fuel crisis in Pakistan, the government has ordered the immediate import of 140 million liters of petrol.
According to an official letter issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to all oil marketing companies (OMCs), the federal government has directed them to maintain a minimum 20-day stockpile of petroleum products to ensure energy stability in light of ongoing Middle East tensions.
OGRA’s communication clearly instructs all oil marketing companies to comply with the mandatory storage requirement, citing the deteriorating regional security environment and its potential impact on the global oil supply chain.
Meanwhile, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) officials have confirmed that following the government’s directives, the company has floated an emergency tender for 70 million liters of petrol. This urgent shipment is expected to dock at Karachi Port within 10 days, ensuring timely replenishment of stocks.
According to PSO officials, a petrol vessel initially scheduled to arrive on 6th July has now been instructed to reach by 26th June, ensuring that by 1st July 2025, the country will have an additional 140 million liters of petrol in reserve. Officials further added that depending on geopolitical developments, additional emergency tenders could be issued.
There have been reports of fuel shortages in remote regions, particularly in western Pakistan near the Iranian border. Petrol prices in these areas have surged above Rs. 350 per liter, exacerbating public concerns over a potential nationwide fuel price hike.
Adding to the crisis, shipping companies have reported a sharp 15% rise in freight charges due to fears of Strait of Hormuz closure—a critical global oil route. Officials stated that oil tanker freight costs from the Persian Gulf, previously around $900,000, have now climbed to $1.1 to $1.2 million. In addition, insurance coverage rates for these shipments have also increased from $15,000 to $22,000.
Sources within the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) revealed that GPS disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have become a new operational hurdle. A PNSC vessel was recently delayed for two hours due to a GPS outage before entering the strait, raising further concerns about safe and timely fuel transport.
On the domestic front, OGRA has issued a clarification regarding fuel shortage rumors, sparked by the Israel-Iran war scenario. In its official statement, OGRA emphasized that sufficient petroleum reserves are available in the country to meet current demand.
However, as a precautionary measure, OGRA has directed all OMCs to strictly adhere to their license requirements by maintaining 20-day compulsory stocks of fuel. OGRA’s spokesperson, Imran Ghaznavi, stressed that the authority is committed to national energy security and is closely monitoring the evolving situation. He reassured the public that future planning and proactive measures have already been undertaken, taking into account the volatile international oil market.
These strategic actions by the federal government and OGRA come at a critical time when global fuel dynamics are shifting rapidly, and Pakistan aims to shield its population from any petroleum product shortages or unexpected price shocks linked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
