Pakistan secures alternative routes as domestic fuel prices surge sharply
WEB DESK: Three critical petroleum shipments are scheduled to dock in Pakistan today, Monday, 9 March 2026, providing a temporary reprieve as authorities scramble to stabilize the country’s energy supply amid deepening disruptions in the Middle East.
The arrivals come as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s busiest oil transit corridors has forced Pakistan to adopt a “war-footing” approach to protect fuel reserves and ensure continuity of economic activity.
Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed the incoming shipments during a briefing in Karachi with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, highlighting that energy flow is central to sustaining economic stability.
To bypass the Persian Gulf, Islamabad is exploring alternative routes, with Saudi Arabia assuring supply through Port of Yanbu. Vessels from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation have been dispatched to Yanbu, while diplomatic talks continue with the UAE and Oman for additional maritime corridors.
The emergency shipments arrive amid sharp domestic fuel price hikes, with petrol and diesel rising by Rs55 per liter last Friday. Finance Minister Aurangzeb warned that global crude prices near $120 per barrel could push Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill up by $600 million.
The federal cabinet is considering austerity measures, including remote work, distance learning, and real-time fuel monitoring, to conserve reserves. Officials emphasized national cooperation, noting that the broader regional crisis may require long-term adjustments in energy consumption.
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