Pakistan’s import bill for petroleum products edged higher in July, marking the start of the 2025-26 fiscal year with a 6.4% increase compared to the same month last year, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The country imported petroleum products worth $1.346 billion, up from $1.265 billion in July 2024. Crude oil imports specifically rose 10.4%, reaching $398.3 million, while refined petroleum products surged by over 27%, totaling $634.8 million.
LNG Imports Dip, LPG Sees Moderate Rise
Not all energy imports followed the upward trend. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports fell sharply by 30.4% to $230.8 million, reflecting a potential slowdown in LNG demand or changes in domestic supply arrangements. On the other hand, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports grew 10.7% to nearly $82 million, signaling a steady rise in usage for domestic and commercial purposes.
Month-on-month comparisons also showed a modest increase, with total petroleum imports climbing 2.7% from June 2025’s $1.311 billion.
Trade Balance Pressures Continue
Despite the growth in exports—up 16.9% to $2.697 billion in July—the overall trade deficit widened significantly. Imports surged by 29.3% to $5.449 billion, pushing the trade gap to $2.752 billion, a 44% increase compared to the same month last year.
Analysts note that rising global energy prices and higher domestic demand are likely contributing factors to the growing import bill, which continues to exert pressure on Pakistan’s external accounts.
