Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on Pakistan’s trade deficit, diesel costs, Hormuz risk, and digital customs, Week 41 brings some mixed signals.
Diesel has come down slightly, and Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves remain strong.
But the biggest concern is still the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker attacks reached their highest weekly level since the conflict began.
At the same time, Pakistan is making new moves around fuel supply and digital shipping processes.
Key Updates
1. Diesel Falls Below Rs400, but Inland Freight Is Still Expensive
Pakistan’s high-speed diesel price fell by Rs1.88 per litre to Rs397.76 on October 6.
Petrol increased slightly to Rs393.64 per litre.
One important detail for logistics businesses is that the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin on diesel increased from Rs4.19 to Rs4.75 per litre.
So while the headline diesel price came down, inland transport costs still need close attention.
For businesses arranging freight forwarding and transportation in Pakistan, checking the full transport cost remains important.
2. Hormuz Tanker Attacks Hit Their Highest Weekly Level
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest external shipping risks for Pakistan.
According to Reuters, tanker attacks around Hormuz reached their highest weekly level during the week of September 28 to October 5.
At least 12 attacks, attempted attacks, or related tanker incidents were reported during this period.
Shipping traffic also came under pressure as security concerns increased.
For Pakistan’s importers and exporters, this could mean:
- Longer shipping times from Gulf ports
- Higher insurance and freight costs
- Possible shipment delays
- More uncertainty in delivery schedules
Businesses shipping between Karachi and the UAE should also monitor Karachi to Jebel Ali shipping rates and delays.
Keeping extra buffer time in shipping plans remains important.
3. PSO Signs New Petroleum Supply Agreement With Oman
Pakistan State Oil signed a petroleum supply agreement with OQ Trading Limited of Oman on October 8.
The agreement covers petroleum products under an existing government-to-government framework between Pakistan and Oman.
For Pakistan, having more petroleum supply options can help reduce dependence on a limited number of sources.
This is especially important while Middle East shipping routes remain uncertain.
However, the agreement does not automatically mean lower fuel prices.
Importers and logistics companies should continue monitoring fuel prices because changes can affect inland transportation and overall shipping costs.
4. Pakistan’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise Again
Pakistan’s foreign exchange position remained stable this week.
According to the latest reported State Bank of Pakistan reserves data, SBP-held reserves increased to $21.45 billion as of October 2.
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at around $26.80 billion.
For importers, stronger reserves are generally positive for:
- Import payment confidence
- Currency stability
- Letters of credit
- External payment capacity
However, businesses must still check freight rates, fuel prices, and currency movements when calculating their final landed costs.
Using Maalbardaar’s digital logistics platform can help importers manage freight inquiries, shipment tracking, and customs coordination in one place.
5. FBR Proposes Another Digital Shipping Process
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue is taking another step toward digital shipping documentation.
According to Business Recorder’s report on FBR’s proposed electronic shipping tax system, the new process would allow electronic tax returns for:
- Non-resident ship owners
- Charterers
- Authorised shipping agents
The proposal would connect FBR’s IRIS system with Pakistan Single Window.
The aim is to make tax returns, payments, and shipping-related clearance more digital.
For Pakistan’s shipping industry, this is another step toward reducing manual processes and paperwork.
It also shows how important digital platforms are becoming for freight forwarding, customs clearance, and trade documentation.
At Maalbardaar, we are also working toward making shipping easier through digital freight management, shipment tracking, and document visibility.
6. Karachi Port and Port Qasim Remain Busy
Pakistan’s two major ports continued handling significant cargo volumes.
According to reported port activity figures, Karachi Port handled 120,725 tonnes of cargo during a recent 24-hour period.
This included:
- Imports: 77,978 tonnes
- Exports: 42,747 tonnes
Port Qasim handled 162,646 tonnes of cargo, including:
- Imports: 128,088 tonnes
- Exports: 34,558 tonnes
- Container movement: 3,609 containers
Port Qasim’s cargo movement remained heavily weighted toward imports.
For importers, this shows why customs documents, transportation, warehouse space, and payments should be ready before shipments arrive.
Businesses can use Maalbardaar’s free container tracking platform to follow shipment movements and improve cargo visibility.
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
Pakistan’s supply chain environment continues to change quickly.
Lower diesel prices offer some relief, but shipping risks in the Middle East remain a concern.
At the same time, stronger foreign exchange reserves and new digital customs initiatives are positive developments for Pakistan’s trade sector.
For businesses importing or exporting goods, the focus should remain on:
- Monitoring shipping rates and fuel costs
- Planning for possible Middle East shipping delays
- Preparing customs documents before cargo arrival
- Tracking containers regularly
- Checking total landed costs before confirming shipments
A lower fuel price does not mean shipment risk has disappeared.
Free Shipment Tracking on Maalbardaar
Are you still calling your freight forwarder to find out where your shipment is?
With Maalbardaar’s free shipment tracking, you can check your cargo movement online without repeated calls or messages.
Track your containers and stay updated on your shipments through one digital platform.
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From freight forwarding and customs clearance to inland transportation, shipment tracking, and documentation, Maalbardaar helps importers and exporters manage their logistics in one place.
Whether you are shipping from China, the UAE, Europe, or other international markets, our platform helps simplify your shipping process.
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