Pakistan Supply Chain Update — Week 23 of 2026 (8th June, 2026)
Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on energy security and fuel-price relief, Pakistan’s supply chain is facing a mixed situation.
The monthly trade deficit improved in May, and petrol prices have come down again.
But the wider pressure is still active.
Regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing uncertainty for oil prices, shipping routes, insurance costs, and energy supplies.
At the same time, businesses are waiting for the FY27 budget, which may bring changes in customs duties, taxes, fuel levies, and import policies.
For importers and exporters, the focus this week should be simple:
Plan early, monitor freight costs closely, and calculate your landed cost before confirming shipments.
The Current Situation: Monthly Trade Gap Improves, but Long-Term Pressure Remains
Pakistan’s trade deficit improved in May 2026 as imports fell and exports increased.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data reported by Dawn, the monthly trade deficit dropped to $2.58 billion in May, compared to $4.26 billion in April.
Exports increased to $2.71 billion, while imports fell to $5.29 billion.
The Breakdown:
- May trade deficit: $2.58 billion
- April trade deficit: $4.26 billion
- Monthly reduction: 39.43%
- May exports: $2.71 billion
- May imports: $5.29 billion
But the wider pressure remains.
Pakistan’s trade deficit for July to May FY26 increased by 17.48% to $34.76 billion, compared to $29.58 billion during the same period last year, according to Business Recorder.
The Reality:
The monthly improvement is a positive sign.
But importers and exporters still need to plan carefully.
Freight costs, energy prices, exchange rate movement, and upcoming budget changes can still affect landed cost.
Key Updates:
1. Hormuz Risk Returns as Regional Tensions Rise
Regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are creating fresh uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets.
According to Reuters, vessels and seafarers have faced delays due to security concerns, drone activity, missile threats, and insurance challenges.
This matters for Pakistan because a large share of the country’s oil and LNG imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Why It Matters:
Any disruption can affect:
- Oil prices
- LNG supplies
- Freight rates
- War-risk insurance costs
- Vessel schedules
- Transit times
- Industrial energy costs
Businesses should avoid planning shipments only around current freight rates.
Market conditions can change quickly.
2. Petrol Price Falls Again, but Diesel Remains Unchanged
According to Pakistan State Oil’s latest fuel-price data, petrol fell by Rs 4 per litre to Rs 377.78 per litre from 6 June 2026.
High-speed diesel remained unchanged at Rs 380.78 per litre.
The Breakdown:
- Petrol: Rs 377.78 per litre
- High-speed diesel: Rs 380.78 per litre
- Petrol reduction: Rs 4 per litre
- Diesel price: Unchanged
Why It Matters:
The petrol cut provides some relief.
But inland freight costs may not fall significantly because diesel is the main fuel used for:
- Trucking
- Container movement
- Port-to-warehouse transport
- Last-mile delivery
Businesses should continue checking transport rates before confirming shipments.
3. SBP Reserves Rise, but Total Reserves Dip Slightly
As of 29 May 2026, SBP-held foreign exchange reserves increased to $17.19 billion, according to the State Bank of Pakistan.
Commercial bank reserves stood at $5.45 billion, bringing total liquid reserves to $22.64 billion.
Total reserves were slightly lower than the previous week’s level of $22.65 billion, but SBP’s own reserve position improved.
Why It Matters:
A stronger SBP reserve position supports:
- Import payments
- LC confidence
- Fuel purchases
- LNG procurement
- Shipping payments
- Exchange rate stability
4. FY27 Budget Presentation Moves to 10 June
Pakistan’s federal budget for FY2026–27 is expected to be presented on 10 June 2026, instead of the earlier expected date of 5 June.
According to Reuters, some fiscal matters still needed to be settled before the budget presentation.
Importers and exporters should watch for possible changes in:
- Customs duties
- Taxes
- Petroleum levies
- Import policies
- Regulatory costs
- Financing conditions
Why It Matters:
Even small changes can affect the final landed cost of shipments.
Businesses should review their landed cost assumptions after the budget is announced.
5. Saudi and Local Partners Explore Karachi Port Waterfront Development
Pakistan has signed an MoU with Saudi and local partners to explore the development of a 140-acre maritime business district on Karachi Port Trust land at MT Khan Road.
According to Dawn, the proposed development aims to support commercial infrastructure and strengthen Karachi’s position as a maritime and investment hub.
Saudi delegates also showed interest in wider cooperation across ports, logistics, infrastructure, and trade facilitation.
Why It Matters:
This is a long-term development, not an immediate logistics change.
But it signals growing interest in:
- Karachi’s maritime economy
- Port-linked infrastructure
- Logistics capacity
- Trade facilitation
- Marine-sector investment
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
This week, businesses need to stay cautious.
Petrol prices have come down, but diesel costs remain high.
At the same time, uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz can quickly affect freight rates, insurance costs, and vessel schedules.
Importers and exporters should focus on:
- Checking freight rates before confirming shipments
- Reviewing customs documents and HS codes
- Preparing for possible budget-linked duty changes
- Monitoring inland transport costs
- Building a buffer into landed cost calculations
- Tracking vessel schedules closely
The key lesson is simple:
Do not wait for cargo to arrive before reviewing costs.
Calculate your full landed cost early and stay ready for changes in freight, duties, fuel, and delivery timelines.
Secure Your Logistics in a Volatile Market
Maalbardaar provides the visibility and speed businesses need to manage supply chain uncertainty.
Our freight-forwarding solutions help importers and exporters manage:
- Freight rates
- Customs clearance
- Transportation
- Documentation
- Shipment tracking
- Supply chain visibility
With better information and faster coordination, businesses can make stronger decisions before delays and additional costs affect their shipments.
Take control of your supply chain with Maalbardaar.
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