Fuel price increases in Pakistan almost always trigger a strong public reaction. That response is understandable, given the direct impact on household budgets. But these recurring adjustments, and the policy responses that follow, are best understood in the context of a deeper structural reality: Pakistan’s significant reliance on imported energy.

The figures illustrate the point clearly. Domestic refineries meet roughly 30 per cent of the country’s petrol demand, while the remaining 70 per cent is fulfilled through imported refined fuel. When crude imports are included, Pakistan sources nearly 80 per cent of its oil requirements from abroad. This is not a temporary imbalance but a longstanding feature of the country’s energy economy.

One important consequence of this dependence is the way fuel prices are determined. Even locally refined products are priced on import parity. In effect, whether petrol is produced domestically or imported, its price is linked to international oil benchmarks and the rupee’s exchange rate against the dollar. This limits the extent to which domestic policy alone can shield consumers from global market movements.

At the same time, Pakistan’s fuel consumption patterns make these price changes particularly impactful. The country uses an estimated 50 to 75 million litres of fuel daily. While petrol is widely used, diesel plays an equally vital role in supporting transport, agriculture, and logistics. As a result, any increase in fuel prices tends to ripple........

© The Express Tribune Blog