In April 2026, Pakistan experienced a notable decline in petroleum sales, dropping by 7% year-on-year to 1.36 million tonnes from 1.45 million tonnes in the same month of the previous fiscal year. This decrease is attributed to escalating fuel prices, which have dampened demand across the country.
The sales of oil products, excluding furnace oil, saw a steeper decline of 11% year-on-year and 10% month-on-month, amounting to 1.22 million tonnes. This trend was primarily driven by the sharp increase in domestic fuel prices, following a surge in international oil prices. The average price of motor spirit rose by 54% to Rs392.64 per litre, while high-speed diesel prices increased by 67% to Rs431.97 per litre, despite the removal of the levy on HSD.
High-speed diesel sales witnessed a 12% year-on-year decline in April, largely due to elevated prices and reduced tractor sales. Meanwhile, motor spirit volumes also fell by 7% under similar pressures. In contrast, furnace oil sales surged by 63% year-on-year, supported by increased demand for power generation and a greater reliance on furnace oil-based plants amidst disruptions in re-gasified liquefied natural gas supplies.
On a monthly basis, motor spirit offtake decreased by 8% to 0.61 million tonnes, while high-speed diesel sales dropped by 7% to 0.55 million tonnes. However, furnace oil sales rose by 56% month-on-month, indicating a growing dependence on furnace oil for electricity generation.
Despite the monthly decline, cumulative petroleum sales during the first ten months of FY2026 increased by 4% year-on-year to 13.76 million tonnes, compared with 13.22 million tonnes in the same period last year. Excluding furnace oil, sales rose by 5% to 13.23 million tonnes. Product-wise, motor spirit, high-speed diesel, and furnace oil volumes stood at 6.41 million tonnes, 5.90 million tonnes, and 0.53 million tonnes, respectively.
Among oil marketing companies, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) reported a 5% year-on-year decline in sales to 0.59 million tonnes in April. Motor spirit and high-speed diesel offtake fell by 10% and 9%, respectively, while furnace oil sales increased sharply during the month.
During the first ten months of FY2026, PSO’s market share declined to 42.4% from 44.5% a year earlier. In contrast, Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO) increased its share to 12% from 10.2%. Attock Petroleum Limited (APL) recorded a 6% year-on-year decline in offtake to 0.12 million tonnes, with its market share easing to 8.2%. Wafi Energy Pakistan maintained stable volumes, with its market share improving slightly to 8.0%. Meanwhile, Hascol Petroleum recorded a 26% year-on-year decline in sales, with its market share slipping to 3.1%.
Looking ahead, the petroleum sector in Pakistan faces challenges due to fluctuating international oil prices and domestic economic conditions. Industry experts anticipate continued volatility, with potential impacts on market dynamics and future sales figures.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 5, 2026
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