Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
This week, Pakistan’s supply chain story is moving from trade pressure to energy movement, port activity, and external account support.
The key issue is clear:
Pakistan is still facing high logistics costs, but there are signs of short-term relief through lower fuel prices, stronger remittances, and continued LNG movement into Port Qasim.
The Current Situation: Energy Risk Remains Active
Pakistan’s energy supply chain is still directly linked to the Middle East crisis.
A second Qatari LNG tanker, Mihzem, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and headed toward Pakistan’s Port Qasim. The vessel has a capacity of around 174,000 cubic meters and followed the earlier movement of another Qatari LNG tanker, Al Kharaitiyat.
The Breakdown:
- The tanker departed from Ras Laffan in Qatar.
- It crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing Iran conflict.
- Two more LNG tankers are also expected to follow under the same arrangement.
The Reality:
- This is a positive sign for Pakistan’s energy supply.
- However, it also shows that LNG movement is no longer routine.
- Every cargo now depends on route security, regional approvals, and geopolitical stability.
Key Updates:
1. Petrol and Diesel Prices Cut by Rs 5 Per Litre
The government reduced petrol and diesel prices by Rs 5 per litre from May 16, 2026. Petrol was reduced from Rs 414.78 to Rs 409.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel was reduced from Rs 414.58 to Rs 409.58 per litre.
The Breakdown:
- Petrol is now Rs 409.78 per litre.
- High-speed diesel is now Rs 409.58 per litre.
- The reduction applies from May 16, 2026.
The Reality:
- This gives slight relief to inland freight.
- However, diesel is still above Rs 400 per litre.
- Trucking, container movement, and last-mile delivery remain expensive.
2. Remittances Reach $3.54 Billion in April
Pakistan received $3.54 billion in workers’ remittances in April 2026. Remittances were down 7.6% month-on-month, but up 11.4% year-on-year.
The Breakdown:
- April remittances stood at $3.54 billion.
- Jul-Apr FY26 remittances reached $33.86 billion.
- This is up 8.5% compared to $31.21 billion during the same period last year.
The Reality:
- Remittances are helping support Pakistan’s external position.
- For trade and logistics, this matters because stronger inflows help reduce pressure on the rupee, reserves, and import payments.
3. SBP Reserves Rise to $15.87 Billion
The Breakdown:
- SBP reserves stood at $15.867 billion.
- The weekly increase was $17 million.
- Total liquid foreign reserves stood at $21.337 billion.
- Commercial banks held $5.469 billion.
The Reality:
- Reserves are moving in the right direction.
- However, the import bill remains a major concern.
- Pakistan still needs to manage fuel, LNG, machinery, and raw material imports carefully.
4. KPT Handles Over 244,000 Tonnes in 24 Hours
Karachi Port Trust handled 244,169 tonnes of cargo in a 24-hour period this week. This included 140,925 tonnes of import cargo and 103,244 tonnes of export cargo.
The Breakdown:
- Import cargo stood at 140,925 tonnes.
- Export cargo stood at 103,244 tonnes.
- Liquid cargo alone accounted for 79,144 tonnes of imports.
The Reality:
- Port activity remains strong.
- The pressure is now shifting from port movement to inland freight, documentation speed, and cost management.
5. Middle East War Raises Import Bill Risk
The Breakdown:
- Energy prices remain volatile.
- Insurance and freight costs are under pressure.
- Higher import costs can affect inflation, reserves, and trade flows.
The Reality:
- Even if cargo is moving, the cost of moving that cargo is still unstable.
- For importers and exporters, freight planning now needs to include geopolitical risk, not just normal market rates.
What This Means For Importers & Exporters: The Strategic Pivot
This week, Pakistan’s supply chain is showing both relief and risk.
Fuel prices have come down slightly, remittances are strong, and LNG cargo is moving through Hormuz.
But diesel is still expensive, reserves still need protection, and energy-linked shipping remains fragile.
Your logistics strategy this week must prioritize:
- Cost visibility before confirming shipments.
- Documentation speed before cargo arrival.
- Flexible shipment planning in case routes or schedules shift.
- Inland freight monitoring because diesel remains above Rs 400 per litre.
- Energy-linked risk planning for cold chain, factory output, and time-sensitive cargo.
Track Inland Freight Closely
- The Rs 5 fuel price cut helps, but it does not remove inland freight pressure.
- With diesel still above Rs 400 per litre, transporters will continue pricing risk into trucking and container movement.
Plan Around Energy-Linked Delays
- LNG cargoes are reaching Port Qasim, but the route remains sensitive.
- Any disruption in Hormuz can quickly affect energy supply, industrial output, and cold chain reliability.
Use Port Speed to Your Advantage
- KPT’s 24-hour cargo movement shows that port activity is active.
- If your cargo is delayed, the issue may now be paperwork, customs readiness, or inland coordination.
Protect Landed Cost
- Freight, insurance, fuel, duties, and exchange rate changes can all affect final cost.
- Importers should calculate landed cost before confirming shipments, not after cargo arrival.
Secure Your Logistics in a Volatile Market
Maalbardaar provides the visibility and speed to navigate this crisis.
We combine:
- Pre-arrival digital customs clearance
- Instant access to freight rates
- Shipment tracking
- Documentation support
- Customs coordination
- Transport planning
Because our network is integrated, we provide transparent, algorithm-backed freight rates that protect you from wild spot-market price gouging.
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Take full control of your supply chain with Maalbardaar, including:
- Freight
- Customs clearance
- Transportation
- Documentation
- Shipment visibility
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