Pakistan’s Petroleum Import Bill Drops 4.65% on LNG Decline

Pakistan’s overall petroleum imports dropped by 4.65 percent during the first two months of the current fiscal year. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), imports fell from $2.66 billion in July-August last year to $2.54 billion this year. However, petroleum product imports increased by 17.77 percent, rising from $840.5 million to nearly $990 million. On the other hand, crude oil imports declined by 6.11 percent, falling from $944.7 million to $887 million.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports sharply decreased by 28.81 percent during the same period. The imports dropped from $713.1 million last year to $507.6 million this year. Similarly, imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) went down by 6.06 percent, falling from $163.9 million to $153.9 million. Year-on-year petroleum group imports in August 2025 dropped 14.67 percent, totaling $1.19 billion compared to $1.40 billion in August 2024. Month-on-month, imports also declined 11.38 percent in August 2025 compared to July 2025.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s exports saw a slight rise of 0.65 percent during the first two months of the fiscal year. Exports increased from $5.07 billion to $5.10 billion compared to last year. Conversely, imports surged by 14.53 percent, reaching $11.14 billion compared to $9.73 billion in the same period last year. This significant growth in imports widened the country’s trade deficit. The deficit increased by 29.63 percent, rising from $4.66 billion to $6.04 billion.

The declining petroleum imports, especially crude oil and LNG, indicate shifts in Pakistan’s energy import patterns. At the same time, rising petroleum product imports suggest higher domestic demand for refined fuels. The government and businesses will likely monitor these trends closely. These changes could impact the country’s energy sector and overall economy in the coming months.

Overall, Pakistan faces challenges with growing trade deficits despite slight export growth. Controlling imports while boosting exports remains a key priority. The government may need to focus on energy efficiency and diversification to reduce import bills. This data highlights the need for strategic economic planning to stabilize Pakistan’s trade balance.