Pakistan Supply Chain Update — Week 21 of 2026

Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.

This week, Pakistan’s supply chain story is shifting from short-term relief to renewed import pressure.

The key issue is clear:

Fuel prices have come down again, reserves have improved, and port activity remains strong.

But Pakistan’s import bill is still heavy, the current account has moved back into deficit, and logistics costs remain sensitive to:

• Fuel prices
• Exchange rate movement
• Documentation delays
• Global energy risk
• Inland freight costs

The Current Situation: Import Pressure Is Back in Focus

Pakistan posted a current account deficit of $324 million in April 2026, mainly because imports rose faster than exports. Goods and services exports reached $3.47 billion, while imports reached $6.86 billion, up over 11% year-on-year.

The cumulative current account for 10MFY26 also moved to a $252 million deficit, compared to a surplus in the same period last year.

The Breakdown:

• Imports reached $6.86 billion in April 2026.
• Exports of goods and services reached $3.47 billion.
• 10MFY26 current account stood at a $252 million deficit.
• Imports increased faster than exports.

The Reality:

Pakistan is getting some relief from fuel cuts and stronger reserves.

But the import side is still creating pressure.

For importers, this means landed cost planning is now more important than ever.

For exporters, this means speed, documentation, and freight visibility are becoming key advantages.

Key Updates:

1. Petrol and Diesel Prices Cut Again

Pakistan State Oil’s latest listed fuel prices show petrol at Rs 403.78 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs 402.78 per litre, effective May 23, 2026.

This is lower than the May 16 prices of Rs 409.78 for petrol and Rs 409.58 for diesel.

The Breakdown:

• Petrol is now Rs 403.78 per litre.
• High-speed diesel is now Rs 402.78 per litre.
• Both prices are still above Rs 400 per litre.
• The price cut gives some short-term relief to inland movement.

The Reality:

This gives some relief to:

• Trucking
• Container movement
• Last-mile delivery
• Inland freight planning

But diesel is still expensive.

Transporters will continue pricing fuel risk into freight rates, especially for inland routes.

2. SBP Reserves Improve Strongly

The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserve data listed SBP reserves at $17.081 billion as of May 15, 2026.

Total liquid reserves stood at $22.588 billion, including commercial bank reserves of $5.507 billion.

The Breakdown:

• SBP reserves stood at $17.081 billion.
• Commercial bank reserves stood at $5.507 billion.
• Total liquid reserves stood at $22.588 billion.
• Reserves improved compared to earlier levels.

The Reality:

Stronger reserves help Pakistan manage external payments.

This matters for logistics because external account stability affects:

• Import payments
• LC confidence
• Fuel purchases
• LNG movement
• Shipping charges
• Exchange rate pressure

But reserves alone do not remove the pressure from a rising import bill.

3. Weekly Inflation Eases Slightly

Pakistan’s weekly Sensitive Price Indicator stood at 357.54 for the week ended May 21, 2026, showing a 0.33% decrease from the previous week, according to PBS.

The Breakdown:

• SPI fell by 0.33% week-on-week.
• The data is for the week ended May 21, 2026.
• Lower fuel prices helped ease some short-term pressure.
• Weekly inflation showed slight improvement.

The Reality:

This is a positive sign, but it does not mean costs are low.

Businesses are still facing pressure from:

• Food costs
• Fuel costs
• Electricity costs
• Packaging costs
• Transport costs

Businesses should not plan freight and pricing only on one week of relief.

4. Karachi Port and Port Qasim Remain Active

Karachi Port Trust handled 185,397 tonnes of cargo in the 24 hours ending May 21, 2026.

This included 114,056 tonnes of import cargo and 71,341 tonnes of export cargo. Port Qasim also handled 235,941 tonnes during the same 24-hour reporting period.

The Breakdown:

• KPT total cargo stood at 185,397 tonnes.
• KPT import cargo stood at 114,056 tonnes.
• KPT export cargo stood at 71,341 tonnes.
• Port Qasim handled 235,941 tonnes.
• Both major ports remained active.

The Reality:

Port activity is not the main problem.

The bigger issue is now coordination after cargo movement.

Importers and exporters need stronger control over:

• Paperwork
• Customs readiness
• Inland freight
• Payment coordination
• Shipment visibility
• Delivery timelines

5. IMF Talks Keep Budget and Energy Costs in Focus

The IMF concluded talks with Pakistani authorities on May 20, 2026, focused on economic developments, fiscal plans, and reforms.

The IMF also said Pakistan has committed to a primary surplus target of 2% of GDP in FY2027, while monitoring energy price effects remains important.

The Breakdown:

• IMF talks focused on reforms and the next fiscal year’s budget.
• Pakistan committed to a 2% of GDP primary surplus target for FY2027.
• Energy price effects remain a key concern.
• Budget decisions may affect taxes, duties, and fuel-related costs.

The Reality:

Budget decisions can directly affect supply chains.

Importers and exporters should watch for changes in:

• Fuel levies
• Customs duties
• Sales tax
• Import policies
• Financing conditions
• Energy costs

Businesses should prepare early instead of reacting after new costs are announced.

What This Means For Importers & Exporters: The Strategic Pivot

This week shows a mixed picture.

On the positive side:

• Fuel prices have come down.
• Reserves have improved.
• Ports are active.
• Weekly inflation eased slightly.

But the risks remain clear:

• Imports are still high.
• The current account has moved into deficit.
• Logistics costs remain exposed to policy changes.
• Energy costs can still affect freight and production.
• Inland movement is still expensive.

Your logistics strategy this week should focus on:

• Landed cost control
• Faster documentation
• Better shipment visibility
• Early customs preparation
• Flexible freight planning

Track Freight Costs Closely

The fuel cut helps, but diesel is still above Rs 400 per litre.

Do not assume transport rates will fall immediately.

Before confirming shipment pricing, check:

• Inland freight rates
• Fuel adjustment costs
• Container movement charges
• Last-mile delivery costs
• Port-to-warehouse transport costs

Prepare for Budget-Linked Cost Changes

With IMF and budget talks moving forward, importers should expect possible changes in duties, taxes, levies, and regulatory costs.

Build a buffer into landed cost calculations.

Businesses should review:

• Import duties
• Tax exposure
• Fuel-related costs
• Customs documentation
• Freight contracts
• Payment timelines

Use Active Ports to Your Advantage

KPT and Port Qasim are handling strong volumes.

If your cargo is delayed, the issue may not be the port itself.

The delay may be linked to:

• Customs documentation
• Payment coordination
• Clearance readiness
• Inland transport availability
• Delivery scheduling

Protect Your Landed Cost Before Cargo Arrives

Freight, insurance, fuel, exchange rate, duties, and local transportation can all change the final cost.

Calculate the full landed cost before booking, not after arrival.

Your landed cost should include:

• Freight charges
• Insurance
• Duties and taxes
• Exchange rate impact
• Port charges
• Customs clearance
• Inland transportation
• Warehousing or delay costs

Secure Your Logistics in a Volatile Market

Maalbardaar provides the visibility and speed to navigate this crisis.

We combine pre-arrival digital customs clearance with instant access to freight rates.

Because our network is integrated, we provide transparent, algorithm-backed freight rates that protect you from wild spot-market price changes.

Register on Maalbardaar!

Take full control of your supply chain from freight, customs clearance, transportation, and shipment tracking with Maalbardaar.

With Maalbardaar, your team can manage:

• Freight rates
• Customs clearance
• Documentation
• Transportation
• Shipment tracking
• Supply chain visibility

Join Maalbardaar today!

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