Petroleum sales in Pakistan rise 32% in April

Pakistan petroleum sales in April recorded an increase of 32% to 1.46 million tons compared to the same month last year owing to increase in demand and reduction in smuggling.

According to a report of Topline Securities the rise was driven by a combination of stabilized petrol and diesel prices, increased intercity travel during the Eidul Fitr holidays, seasonal demand from wheat harvesting, reduced smuggling, and a low base effect from March due to Ramadan.

The total oil sales during 10 months of current fiscal year amounted to 13.2 million tons, reflecting a 6% increase compared to 12.4 million tons of the same period corresponding year.

Excluding furnace oil (FO), sales in April were 1.4 million tons, reflecting a 28% rise on year-on-year basis and 18% rise on month-on-month basis.

Product-wise, petrol sales saw a 24% on year-on-year basis and 14% on month-on-month increase to 660,000 tons in April. Similarly, high-speed diesel (HSD) sales rose 33% YoY and 28% MoM to 622,000 tons. FO sales for April rose by 182% year on year and 55% on month-on-month basis to 84,000 tons.

The government has set a Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) collection target of PKR 1.28 trillion for FY25, of which PKR 939 billion (73%) has been collected in 10 months of fiscal year.

Average per month collection has been PKR 94 billion. If this trend is maintained, the collection would be around PKR 1.127 trillion, falling short by PKR 153 billion. However, if the industrial cycle picks up, there is further reduction in smuggling and farmers demand rises, the shortfall might be reduced.