Pakistan’s fuel market saw a noticeable slowdown in April as rising petroleum prices led to reduced demand across major fuel categories.
According to Beyond Time News, oil marketing companies recorded total sales of 1.36 million tonnes in April, marking a 7% year-on-year and 6% month-on-month decline. The drop is largely linked to higher fuel prices driven by instability in the Middle East.
Petrol and Diesel Sales Decline
Petrol sales fell 7% year-on-year and 8% month-on-month to 615,000 tonnes. High-speed diesel (HSD) also dropped 12% year-on-year and 7% month-on-month to 550,000 tonnes.
The decline comes as prices surged sharply in April, with petrol averaging Rs374.73 per litre (up 21% from March) and diesel rising to Rs409.61 per litre (up 26%).
Despite the monthly slowdown, overall fuel consumption for the first 10 months of FY26 still showed modest growth compared to last year.
Furnace Oil Sees Sharp Jump
Furnace oil sales rose significantly, increasing 63% year-on-year and 56% month-on-month to 137,000 tonnes. Analysts attribute this spike to its use as an alternative fuel amid price pressures and supply constraints.
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Cement Sector Shows Strong Growth
In contrast, Pakistan’s cement industry posted positive performance. Total cement dispatches rose 11.14% year-on-year in April, reaching 3.89 million tonnes.
Domestic demand remained strong, increasing over 20%, while exports declined by 18.22% during the same month.
Over the first 10 months of FY26, total cement dispatches grew nearly 10%, supported by higher local consumption and steady export demand.
Fertiliser Demand Surges
Urea sales also saw a sharp increase, with April offtake estimated at 463,000 tonnes—an 85% rise compared to last year.
The growth is linked to improved farm economics, higher wheat support prices, and government procurement efforts that boosted farmers’ purchasing power.
Overall Outlook
While fuel sales weakened due to price pressures, other sectors like cement and fertiliser showed resilience, reflecting mixed trends in Pakistan’s broader economic activity during the month.
