Pakistan weighs alternate oil routes, anti-hoarding measures

March 06, 2026 (MLN): The government is preparing contingency measures to safeguard Pakistan’s energy supply chain amid potential disruptions linked to the evolving regional situation.

Preparedness plans were discussed, options including diversified fuel sourcing, alternate shipping routes and stricter enforcement measures to prevent hoarding, illegal storage and smuggling of petroleum products.

The govt said preventing outward fuel smuggling and ensuring smooth domestic distribution would remain a top operational priority, while real-time field monitoring and enforcement actions will be strengthened to maintain orderly market conditions.

The issues were discussed during a meeting of the petrol price monitoring committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division.

The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, along with senior federal and provincial officials, according to a press release issued.

The committee was informed that diplomatic and commercial engagements are underway with friendly countries and partner suppliers to secure additional crude oil and refined petroleum product shipments if necessary.

These efforts include exploring alternative maritime routes and ports outside high-risk shipping corridors to minimize supply disruptions.

Pakistan is also examining operational measures to reduce delays in fuel deliveries, including improved coordination at ports, faster berthing of oil tankers and the possible use of national shipping capacity.

The committee also reviewed the situation regarding liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas supplies, including shipment schedules, terminal operations and potential risks to supply chains.

Members discussed demand-management strategies and possible fuel conservation measures that could be implemented if disruptions continue. Officials noted that such steps would be introduced in phases, based on institutional protocols used during previous national emergencies, while ensuring priority sectors continue to receive uninterrupted energy supplies.

The committee decided it will finalize its recommendations and submit them to the prime minister along with a comprehensive implementation plan covering supply security, enforcement actions, pricing governance and conservation measures, while continuing daily monitoring of developments in the global and regional energy landscape.

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