Pakistan Minister Says Oil Reserves Are Critically Low
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Malik has warned that the country has no strategic petroleum reserves even for a single day, exposing the scale of its energy vulnerability amid global oil supply concerns. He contrasted Pakistan’s position with India’s stronger reserve capacity.
Pakistan Petrol Reserves Crisis
Malik said Pakistan is currently dependent only on commercial reserves and does not have a strategic oil reserve system. According to him, the country has crude oil stocks that may last around five to seven days, while refined petroleum products held by oil marketing companies may last about 20 to 21 days.
He said the absence of strategic reserves leaves Pakistan exposed to external shocks, especially during war, supply disruption or global oil market volatility.
Pakistan Minister Compares India Oil Security
The minister compared Pakistan’s situation with India, saying India has the ability to release 60 to 70 days of oil reserves with a single decision. His remarks highlighted the gap between the two countries in long-term fuel security planning.
India has built strategic petroleum reserves and also maintains larger commercial storage through refiners and oil companies. Pakistan, by contrast, has struggled to create a similar emergency buffer due to high costs and financial stress.
Pakistan Energy Security Concerns Grow
Malik said Pakistan has already studied how to operationalise strategic petroleum reserves, but implementation has been delayed because of the heavy investment required. Creating such storage infrastructure could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The comments come at a time when tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about oil supply routes and fuel availability. For Pakistan, the admission has renewed questions over economic planning, energy preparedness and the country’s ability to handle a prolonged supply disruption.
