Pakistan Faces Potential Rise in Monthly Oil Import Bill Amid West Asia Tensions

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the country's monthly oil import bill could rise to USD 600 million. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government plans to request relief from the International Monetary Fund on the petroleum levy and called for fuel-saving measures to extend reserves. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing with Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to secure alternative fuel supply routes amid anticipated LNG disruptions and rising crude prices.