Petrol, Diesel Sales Decline Sharply In August

Pakistan's oil marketing companies experienced a significant 3 percent decline in sales year-on-year and a more severe 16 percent decrease month-on-month in August 2026. This drop in fuel sales was largely attributed to the rise in petrol and diesel prices, which discouraged consumers from purchasing these products. Despite a substantial increase in furnace oil sales, more than four times higher than the previous year and up by 26 percent from July, the overall fuel demand remained subdued.

The decline in sales, excluding furnace oil, was even more pronounced at 9 percent year-on-year and 23 percent month-on-month. In the first two months of the fiscal year 2027, the total sales reached 2.8 million tons, up 10 percent compared to the same period last year. However, when furnace oil sales are excluded, the figures show a decline of 7 percent, with sales at 2.7 million tons.

Petrol sales witnessed a modest decrease of 1 percent year-on-year and 9 percent month-on-month, totaling 666,000 tons. In stark contrast, high-speed diesel sales plummeted by 19 percent year-on-year and 32 percent month-on-month, reaching 422,000 tons. Fuel prices in August averaged around Rs. 334 per liter for motor spirit, a 26 percent increase from a year ago and 6 percent from the previous month.

High-speed diesel prices surged to around Rs. 379 per liter, marking a 36 percent year-on-year increase and an 11 percent month-on-month rise.

Among the listed companies, Attock Petroleum managed to maintain a 8 percent year-on-year increase in sales, amounting to 121,000 tons, but its sales declined by 5 percent month-on-month. Its market share saw a notable increase of 119 basis points, reaching 9.61 percent. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managed a 4 percent year-on-year sales growth but saw a dip of 19 percent month-on-month, selling 570,000 tons.

Its market share, however, dropped by 131 basis points to 45.21 percent, primarily due to a sharp decline in its furnace oil sales.

Wafi Energy, another player in the market, recorded a 1 percent year-on-year increase in sales, with 107,000 tons sold, but its figures fell by 18 percent month-on-month. Hascol Petroleum, on the other hand, experienced a decline in sales, with a 16 percent year-on-year drop and 16 percent month-on-month decrease, totaling 35,000 tons. Hascol was the only listed company to record a year-on-year decline among the highlighted companies.

In summary, the decline in petrol and diesel sales in August 2026 was primarily driven by higher prices, leading to reduced consumer demand. While furnace oil sales rose significantly, the overall impact on fuel sales remained negative. The market share of various companies fluctuated, with some, like Attock Petroleum, experiencing growth, while others, such as Hascol Petroleum, faced declines.