Pakistan fuel reserves crisis
Islamabad, April 29, 2026 – Pakistan’s Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has sounded the alarm over the country’s critically low fuel reserves amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and global oil supply disruptions. In a candid interview with Samaa TV, Malik revealed that Pakistan possesses no strategic petroleum reserves whatsoever and relies entirely on limited commercial stockpiles.
The minister disclosed that Pakistan currently holds crude oil reserves sufficient for only 5-7 days of consumption, while refined petroleum products maintained by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) can sustain the country for a maximum of 20-21 days. “We don’t have any strategic oil reserves… we only have commercial reserves. We have crude worth five to seven days,” Malik stated, emphasizing that the country lacks even one day’s worth of strategic petrol reserves.
Malik drew a stark contrast with neighboring India, which maintains strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) covering 60-70 days of consumption that can be released with a single executive decision. “We are not like India which has 60-70 days of reserves and can release it with just a single signature,” he remarked, highlighting Pakistan’s extreme vulnerability to external supply shocks.
The revelations come at a time when the ongoing US-Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have created unprecedented pressure on global energy markets. Pakistan, which imports nearly 80% of its energy requirements, faces acute risks due to its limited storage infrastructure.
Government Response and Future Plans
In response to the crisis, the government has initiated a 30-day crude oil storage program following discussions with the Prime Minister. The minister outlined plans to strengthen long-term energy preparedness, including research into policy frameworks and infrastructure development to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
Malik stressed the urgency of building strategic reserves, noting that current commercial stockpiles leave the nation’s energy system “extremely vulnerable” to international market fluctuations. The government has announced intentions to develop reserves covering up to 90 days of consumption to address the structural deficiencies exposed by the current crisis.
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