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Pakistan is exploring alternative crude oil suppliers and shipping routes as Middle East disruptions increase risks to its petroleum supply chain. Officials say stocks currently exceed 20 days, but securing November cargoes is expected to become more difficult and costly.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says planned marches, protests and sit-ins could cause an estimated Rs120 billion in economic losses per day, with services and industry among the sectors potentially affected. The warning comes as separate political groups prepare protest campaigns, while the government is urging dialogue to avoid disruption to trade, investment and economic activity.
The government has removed the five-litre petrol limit per relief token for eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqi vehicles while extending eligibility to motorcycles registered from January 1, 2006. SMS charges have also been abolished as authorities expand access to the fuel subsidy programme.
Authorities have been directed to add every operational petrol station to the prime minister's fuel relief system while removing permanently closed and diesel-only outlets. The programme is also being expanded with SMS-based token redemption in areas without reliable internet connectivity as the government works to resolve rollout problems.
Pakistan has reduced petrol by Rs1.65 per litre to Rs389.14 and high-speed diesel by 88 paise to Rs424.04, with the revised rates effective from September 19 through September 21. The short-term adjustment follows easing international oil prices but comes amid continued volatility in global energy markets.
Pakistan Auto Parts Show 2026 has opened in Lahore with a stronger focus on micro, small and medium enterprises, local auto-parts manufacturing and international business partnerships. The event runs through September 20 as policymakers and industry representatives also work toward a new automobile policy aimed at strengthening domestic production and exports.
Gold prices in Pakistan surged by Rs6,900 per tola to Rs460,336 as international bullion climbed by $69 to $4,378 per ounce. The sharp move also lifted silver prices and added to recent volatility affecting jewellery buyers, traders and investors.
Pakistan is facing severe LNG supply pressure as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes its heavy dependence on Gulf energy shipments. With Qatar and the UAE supplying roughly 99% of imported LNG, attention is turning to gas storage, long-term contracts and greater diversification of the country's energy mix.
Karachi Port's liner shipping connectivity index climbed to a record 343.02 in the second quarter of 2026, up from 309.81 in the previous quarter. Pakistan's overall global liner shipping connectivity ranking also improved from 35th to 34th as authorities work to expand maritime trade links.
Pakistan has reduced petrol by 43 paisas per litre to Rs390.79 while increasing high-speed diesel by Rs3.47 to Rs424.92 for September 18. The revision comes under the daily fuel-pricing mechanism as international oil-market volatility continues to influence domestic rates.
Oil prices declined after Saudi Arabia arranged additional crude shipments through Oman, easing immediate concerns over Middle East supply disruptions. The move could provide some relief to energy-importing economies, although continuing regional conflict and damaged infrastructure leave global fuel markets vulnerable to renewed volatility.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says international investor interest in Pakistan is recovering as fiscal, tax, energy and state-enterprise reforms continue. He linked improving confidence to progress under the IMF programme and a stronger credit profile while acknowledging continuing economic pressures from floods and regional instability.
