Lahore: Pakistan is grappling with a severe fuel shortage, with its petroleum minister acknowledging the country’s limited oil reserves and vulnerability to supply disruptions, as reported by Moneycontrol. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted global energy supply chains.
In an interview with Pakistan-based Samaa TV, Petroleum Minister Ali Malik highlighted the seriousness of the crisis, stating that Pakistan does not maintain any strategic petroleum reserves. He noted that the country relies solely on commercial oil stocks, which are sufficient for only a few days. According to Malik, Pakistan currently holds crude oil reserves that can last between five to seven days, while refined fuel stocks with oil marketing companies may sustain demand for roughly three weeks.
We do not even have petroleum reserves for a single day.
— برهان الدین | Burhan uddin (@burhan_uddin_0) April 27, 2026
We do not have strategic oil reserves.
(Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum) pic.twitter.com/IVpLXHaCCe
Emphasising the contrast with India, the minister pointed out that India maintains significantly larger reserves, allowing it to manage supply disruptions more effectively. He remarked that India can release oil supplies quickly due to its robust storage capacity, underscoring the disparity in energy security between the two countries.
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Malik further admitted that Pakistan does not have even a single day’s worth of strategic petrol reserves, leaving its energy system highly exposed to external shocks. The absence of a strategic buffer makes the country particularly vulnerable during global crises, especially when oil supply routes are affected.
The developments come at a time when rising global tensions are impacting oil availability and prices, intensifying pressure on countries with limited reserves. As highlighted by Moneycontrol, Pakistan’s current situation reflects broader economic and structural challenges that hinder its ability to build and maintain adequate energy reserves.
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