Pakistan’s Oil Import Bill Surpasses IMF Forecast Amid Surge in Global Crude Prices
ISLAMABAD:Pakistan’s annual petroleum import bill has exceeded the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection following a sharp rise in global oil prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.
According to official documents, Pakistan’s oil import bill for the **2025–26 fiscal year** reached **$16.86 billion**, exceeding the IMF’s earlier estimate of **$15.28 billion** by **$1.58 billion**.
The increase in international crude oil prices not only raised Pakistan’s import costs but also pushed domestic fuel prices to record highs, forcing consumers to pay the highest prices for petrol and diesel in the country’s history.
For the **2026–27 fiscal year**, the IMF has projected Pakistan’s oil import bill at **$16.31 billion**. However, continued volatility in global energy markets has heightened concerns that actual import costs could surpass those estimates if oil prices remain elevated.
Official data further showed that Pakistan’s petroleum imports recorded a **5.76% year-on-year increase** during the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting the combined impact of higher international prices and sustained import demand.
