Author: Editor

Note: Fuel prices are reviewed every 15 days. The next price notification is expected on April 15, 2026. Stay tuned to our website for the fastest updates on OGRA notifications

The 2026 Energy Crisis: A Global Perspective

As of April 2026, the world is navigating one of the most significant energy disruptions in decades. Several factors have pushed global oil markets into a state of high volatility:

• Middle East Geopolitics: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil—have sent Brent crude prices soaring above $100 per barrel in recent weeks.

• Russia’s Export Ban: Effective today, April 1, 2024, Russia has implemented a four-month ban on gasoline exports to stabilize its domestic market, further tightening the global supply chain.

• Shifting Demand: While developed economies are seeing a plateau in oil demand due to the rapid adoption of EVs, emerging markets in Asia and Africa continue to see rising consumption, creating a mismatch between limited supply and robust demand.

Fuel Shortage Fears in Pakistan

Despite the price freeze, the local petroleum sector is under immense pressure. Here is what you need to know about the current supply situation:

1. Strike Warnings

The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) has recently issued a warning of a potential nationwide shutdown. Owners are citing “unsustainable commissions” and “increased operational costs” driven by high electricity tariffs and inflation. If a consensus is not reached with the Petroleum Division, consumers may face pump closures in the coming days.

موٹرسائیکلوں کیلئے پٹرول کا کوٹہ مقرر کرنے کی تجویز سامنے آئی ہے

2. The LNG Gap

Pakistan is currently facing a “zero-availability” scenario for spot LNG imports due to the diversion of shipments toward Europe and higher-paying markets. This has placed an additional burden on furnace oil and diesel, which are now being diverted to power plants to prevent massive summer load-shedding.

3. Government Intervention

To keep the prices at Rs 321.17 for Petrol and Rs 335.86 for Diesel, the federal government has reportedly allocated a massive subsidy of nearly Rs 125 billion. This move is intended to “unfreeze” only when the global supply chain stabilizes, though experts warn this is a temporary fix that could impact the national budget.