Pakistan Supply Chain Update — Week 36 of 2026 (7th September, 2026)
7 September 2026
Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on fuel movement, Hormuz risk, port digitization, and customs compliance, this week’s update is simple.
Pakistan’s trade deficit has widened again in the first two months of FY27.
Fuel prices are still moving.
LNG supply pressure is back in focus.
Port activity remains active, but the latest numbers show import pressure is still strong.
For importers and exporters, the message is clear:
Costs can change quickly. Check freight, fuel, payment timing, and clearance before cargo moves.
The Current Situation: Import Pressure Is Still High
Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 18.1% year-on-year to $7.12 billion during July-August FY27, according to Business Recorder’s report based on PBS data.
Imports rose to $12.58 billion, while exports increased to $5.46 billion.
This shows that exports are improving, but imports are still rising faster.
For businesses, this means landed cost planning is still very important.
Key Updates:
1. Trade Deficit Widens in July-August
According to Business Recorder, Pakistan’s trade gap reached $7.12 billion in the first two months of FY27.
August’s trade deficit was $3.17 billion, lower than July’s $3.95 billion, but still higher than August last year.
This means import pressure has reduced month-on-month, but it has not gone away.
Importers should avoid using old cost sheets.
2. Fuel Prices Move Again
According to PSO’s fuel price archive, petrol stood at Rs345.87 per litre, while high-speed diesel stood at Rs378.05 per litre, effective from 5 September 2026.
Diesel is still the key number for logistics.
It affects inland transport, container delivery, port-to-warehouse movement, and final landed cost.
Importers should confirm inland freight before finalising prices.
3. LNG Pressure Can Affect Energy Costs
Energy pressure is also back in focus.
According to Business Recorder, Pakistan LNG Limited reissued an LNG tender after earlier offers were rejected because of high prices.
This matters because LNG and energy costs affect factories, cold-chain movement, warehousing, and export production.
For businesses, energy cost should stay part of landed cost planning.
4. Ship Fuel Risk Can Affect Freight
Global ship-fuel pressure is also building.
According to Reuters, tight fuel-oil supply can raise costs for shipowners and may feed into shipping rates.
This is important for Pakistan because freight costs can change when bunker fuel becomes expensive.
Importers and exporters should keep some buffer in freight planning.
5. Port Qasim Activity Remains Import-Heavy
Port activity remains active.
According to Business Recorder, Port Qasim handled 154,542 tonnes of cargo in a 24-hour period.
Out of this, imports were 125,383 tonnes, while exports were 29,158 tonnes.
This shows import-heavy movement is still continuing.
When imports are high, businesses need to prepare documents, payments, customs details, transport, and warehouse receiving before cargo arrives.
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
Week 36 is about cost control.
Imports are still high.
Fuel prices are moving.
LNG pressure is back.
Ship-fuel risk can affect freight.
Ports are active, but import pressure is still visible.
Importers and exporters should now focus on:
- Checking landed cost again
- Confirming inland freight
- Preparing documents before arrival
- Keeping payment proof ready
- Adding buffer for freight and energy costs
The key lesson is simple:
Do not wait for the container to reach the port. Plan before the shipment moves.
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