Country to import 263,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel in November

KARACHI: Pakistan will import over 263,000 metric tonnes (MT) of high-speed diesel (HSD) in November 2025.

During the latest Product Review Meeting (PRM), the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) approved imports of 263,000 MT of HSD for November after assessing the product’s demand and supply situation.

Ogra authorised Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to import four cargoes totalling 225,000 MT of HSD, while Gas & Oil Pakistan (GO) was permitted to import 38,000 MT.The country imported 291,654 MT of HSD during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) brought in 45,030 MT in July; 162,000 MT in August; and 85,000 MT in September. During this period, HSD sales recorded robust growth of 15 per cent.

As of October 28, nationwide HSD sales stood at 617,000 MT, averaging 22,000 MT per day, with local refineries meeting nearly 77 per cent of total demand. In comparison, motor spirit (MS) sales reached 580,000 MT, or 20,700 MT per day, with local refiners contributing around 33 per cent of the market.

The growing domestic share in HSD supply reflects a strategic shift in refinery operations, aimed at minimising furnace oil output and enhancing middle distillate production in line with market demand patterns.

Industry officials said that higher HSD demand is expected in November due to ongoing cultivation activities for the Rabi season. They added that the recent crackdown on diesel smuggling is also expected to push up domestic sales and that Ogra allowed imports to ensure adequate supply as local refineries are expected to meet around 75 to 80 per cent of the total demand.