ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s petroleum sector witnessed remarkable growth during the first four months of FY25, driven by a 30.98% surge in crude oil imports, resulting in increased production by local refineries and a significant rise in exports.
According to preliminary estimates, this growth in production and exports is expected to positively contribute to the country’s economic progress in the ongoing fiscal year.
Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) revealed a 16.80% increase in the value of crude oil imports and a 30.98% rise in quantity, reaching 3.137 million tonnes during July-October FY25, compared to 2.395 million tonnes in the same period last year. This uptick reflects higher transportation and economic activity levels, alongside improved capacity utilisation of refineries, boosting their profitability.
The production of petroleum products rose by 7.85% year-on-year, with petrol and high-speed diesel output increasing by 4.50% and 7.85%, respectively. Furnace oil production surged by 12.67%, largely attributed to its use in power generation, while jet fuel and kerosene production grew by 4.17% and 32.16%. However, declines were observed in lubricant (-11.54%) and LPG (-5.25%) production.
Exports of petroleum products saw an extraordinary 548.59% increase, reaching $178.567 million in 4MFY25. Petroleum crude exports surged to 40,552 tonnes, compared to no exports during the same period last year. Similarly, exports of other petroleum products grew by 634.96%, totaling 300,714 tonnes, while top naphtha exports increased by 69.62% to 17,917 tonnes.
This growth in the petroleum sector underscores the vital role of refineries and exports in bolstering Pakistan’s economy amid growing energy demand and industrial activity.
Story by Mubarak Zeb Khan
