ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is receiving a series of fuel shipments aimed at bolstering the nation’s reserves amid reported global shortages. Four vessels have delivered or are scheduled to deliver petrol and diesel to Port Qasim, with additional shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well arriving.
Fuel Deliveries Underway
The MT Torm Damini arrived on March 8 and has already offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel. The MT Nave Atropos, carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol, arrived at the outer anchorage and is expected to berth on Wednesday. Following that, the MT Spruce2, with 55,000 tonnes of petrol, is scheduled to berth on Thursday.
The final scheduled vessel, the MT Sea Clipper, carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol, is expected to berth on either the evening of March 13 or the morning of March 14. An additional vessel carrying petrol for the state-owned oil marketing company, PSO, is expected to arrive after March 16.
LPG Imports Also Increasing
Alongside petrol and diesel, Pakistan is also receiving increased shipments of LPG. The vessel ‘MD23’ has discharged 3,500 tonnes of LPG. The ‘Navigator Atlantic’ is currently discharging 12,000 tonnes of LPG from Oman at Engro Vopak Terminal Ltd (EVTL), while the ‘Navigator Aries’ is discharging 11,000 tonnes of LPG mix from Iraq at Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) LPG terminal.
The vessel ‘Ullswater’ is currently waiting outside the port area to discharge 3,700 tonnes of LPG mix from Iraq at the SSGC LPG terminal.
According to a senior official within the petroleum ministry, the country currently holds sufficient stocks of both petrol and diesel to last for 25 days. The official noted a recent shift in consumption patterns, with diesel apply declining during and after Ramazan, while petrol consumption increased during Eid days. The official stated, “The import of petrol and diesel will ensure that the country does not move dry,” and added that increased prices are contributing to conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are importing the fuel?
The imports are being made by Attock Petroleum, Wafi Petroleum, Hascol and GO Pakistan Ltd.
How long will it take to unload the MT Nave Atropos?
The discharge of cargo from vessels like the MT Nave Atropos is expected to take approximately 30 hours.
What is the current LPG supply situation?
Several vessels are involved in delivering LPG, including ‘MD23’, ‘Navigator Atlantic’, ‘Navigator Aries’, and ‘Ullswater’, with deliveries occurring at both Engro Vopak Terminal Ltd and Sui Southern Gas Company LPG terminal.
As fuel shipments continue to arrive, it remains to be seen how consumption patterns and global market conditions will impact Pakistan’s fuel reserves in the coming weeks.
