Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on stronger reserves, diesel costs, Hormuz risk, and Port Qasim activity, this week brings a mix of relief and continued shipping pressure.
Diesel prices have come down slightly, Pakistan received another Qatari LNG cargo, and Pakistan Single Window introduced easier remote verification.
But the Strait of Hormuz remains the biggest risk.
Visible vessel movement dropped sharply during the week, while shipping and fuel costs remain sensitive.
For importers and exporters, the message is simple:
Some costs are easing, but shipment planning still needs flexibility.
1. Diesel Falls Slightly, but Freight Costs Still Matter
The government reduced high-speed diesel by Rs3.59 per litre, bringing the price to Rs408.53 per litre for September 26 to 28.
Petrol increased slightly to Rs391.30 per litre.
One important detail is that petrol import premiums and freight charges increased to $16.36 per barrel, compared with $14.12 previously, according to Business Recorder.
For logistics businesses, diesel remains the more important number because it affects:
- Container transport
- Port-to-warehouse delivery
- Long-distance trucking
- Final landed cost
The small reduction helps, but transport costs are still high.
2. Hormuz Shipping Traffic Drops Sharply
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major risk for Pakistan-Gulf trade.
Reuters reported that only two visible commodity vessels crossed the Strait on September 21, compared with ten the previous day.
Two tankers were also reported hit in separate incidents, although both were able to continue moving.
This means shipping lines may remain cautious.
Businesses moving cargo through the Gulf should continue watching:
- Vessel schedules
- Freight rate changes
- War-risk charges
- Transshipment delays
- Actual shipment location
Original ETAs may change quickly.
3. Pakistan Receives Another Qatari LNG Cargo
There was some positive news for Pakistan’s energy supply.
A second Qatari LNG cargo for September reached Pakistan and berthed at the PGPL terminal on September 23, according to The News.
The cargo passed through the Strait of Hormuz after coordination between Pakistani and Iranian authorities.
This gives Pakistan some energy relief, but it also shows how important Hormuz remains for the country’s LNG supply.
Energy disruptions can eventually affect factories, transport costs, and overall supply chain planning.
4. PSW Makes Verification Easier
Pakistan Single Window introduced another digital improvement this week.
PSW has integrated with NADRA’s PakID mobile app, allowing users to complete mandatory biometric verification remotely.
This can be used for:
- New PSW subscriptions
- Subscription renewals
- Profile updates
For importers, exporters, and customs users, this removes another physical step from the trade process.
Pakistan’s trade system is slowly becoming more digital, which should make documentation and account management easier.
5. Port Qasim Handles More Than 253,000 Tonnes
Port Qasim remained busy during the week.
According to Business Recorder, the port handled 253,471 tonnes of cargo in a 24-hour period, including:
- 173,464 tonnes of imports
- 80,007 tonnes of exports
- 3,965 containers
A total of 12 ships were operating at Port Qasim berths during the reported period.
Strong port activity means businesses should have customs documents, transport, payments, and warehouse arrangements ready before cargo arrives.
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
Week 39 shows that Pakistan’s logistics environment is still changing quickly.
Diesel has eased slightly and digital trade systems are improving.
But Hormuz remains a serious shipping risk, while fuel, freight, and energy costs can still move fast.
Businesses should focus on:
- Checking freight before booking
- Tracking shipments after departure
- Keeping buffer time for Gulf cargo
- Confirming inland transport costs
- Preparing customs documents before arrival
- Reviewing final landed cost regularly
The key lesson is simple:
Do not plan your shipment only around the original rate and ETA. Keep checking until the cargo reaches you.
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