Pakistan cancels Republic Day parade amid fuel crisis, LPG stock down to 9 days

Pakistan is reportedly considering cancelling its upcoming Republic Day parade as the country faces a deepening fuel crisis triggered by ongoing Middle East tensions.

According to officials, petroleum reserves are under severe strain, with LPG stock sufficient for just nine days and crude oil reserves for around 11 days. The situation has raised serious concerns over energy security, prompting the government to explore emergency measures.

During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, authorities revealed that while petrol (27 days) and diesel (21 days) stocks remain relatively stable, disruptions in supply chains particularly from the Middle East, which accounts for nearly 70% of imports have significantly impacted availability.

The ongoing conflict has affected key shipping routes, delaying fuel deliveries and pushing up global oil prices. Shipment timelines via the Red Sea have reportedly stretched to around 12 days, compared to the usual four to five days.

In this backdrop, reports suggest the government is weighing the option of cancelling or scaling down Republic Day celebrations to conserve fuel and manage resources more effectively. However, an official confirmation on the decision is still awaited.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is in talks with Iran to secure passage for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have also warned of a looming gas crisis, as only two out of eight expected LNG cargoes arrived in March, with further disruptions anticipated in April.

To manage the shortfall, authorities are considering prioritising gas supply for households while cutting supply to industries and commercial sectors. The government has also initiated daily monitoring of fuel reserves to keep the situation under close watch.

Despite the crisis, officials maintain that fuel supplies are adequate for March, with contingency plans in place to sustain availability until mid-April.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)