Karachi: Pakistan’s Oil Marketing Companies recorded a significant increase in sales during January 2026, with a 10% rise year-on-year and a 12% monthly increase, reaching a total of 1.52 million tons. This growth is attributed to economic recovery, reduced inflation, and better control over smuggling, alongside lower petrol and diesel prices and a rebound from a nationwide strike in December 2025.

According to JS Global, the total sales for the first seven months of the fiscal year 2026 rose to 9.7 million tons, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. Excluding Furnace Oil, January’s sales stood at 1.41 million tons, showing a 7% year-on-year and 9% monthly increase, with a total of 9.41 million tons sold in 7MFY26, representing a 5% annual rise.

In January 2026, the price of Motor Spirit decreased by 4% from the previous month, averaging Rs253.17 per litre, while High-Speed Diesel prices fell by 6% to Rs257.08 per litre. Motor Spirit sales increased by 3% year-on-year and 2% monthly, reaching 641,000 tons, and High-Speed Diesel sales rose 11% year-on-year and 20% monthly, reaching 664,000 tons.

Furnace Oil sales saw a substantial 76% increase both year-on-year and monthly, reaching 102,000 tons, the highest in seven months. Among listed companies, Attock Petroleum’s sales rose 2% year-on-year and 31% monthly to 134,000 tons, while PSO’s sales increased by 6% year-on-year and 17% monthly to 626,000 tons. Wafi Energy saw a 20% year-on-year and 17% monthly increase in sales, while HASCOL’s sales declined 3% year-on-year but increased 5% monthly.

Looking forward, oil sales in the fiscal year 2026 are expected to grow between 7% and 10%, with the government aiming to collect Rs1.47 trillion in Petroleum Development Levy for the year, of which Rs871 billion has been collected in the first seven months.