By Abdul Ghani

Pakistan’s petroleum exports increased by 52.29 percent during July-January FY26, reaching $516.29 million compared to $339.03 million in the corresponding period last year, according to the Monthly Economic Update & Outlook February 2026 released by the Ministry of Finance.

The sharp rise significantly altered the composition of the country’s export basket during the review period. The Petroleum Group & Coal recorded strong growth, driven primarily by higher exports of petroleum products excluding top naphtha.

Exports of petroleum products (excluding top naphtha) rose to $461.16 million during July-January FY26 from $284.96 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The substantial increase in this category formed the core of the overall petroleum export expansion.

Exports of petroleum top naphtha also registered growth, increasing from $29.35 million to $35.22 million during the period under review. The rise in naphtha exports contributed additional momentum to the petroleum group’s performance.

In contrast, exports of petroleum crude declined in value. Crude exports fell to $19.92 million from $24.72 million recorded in the corresponding period last year. Despite the decline in crude export value, the overall petroleum export performance remained strong due to the significant increase in refined petroleum products.

The surge in petroleum exports lifted the sector’s share in total exports to 2.84 percent during July-January FY26, compared to 1.73 percent in the same period last year. The increase in export share indicates a growing contribution of petroleum-related products to Pakistan’s overall export structure.

The data presented in the report show that refined petroleum products accounted for the bulk of export growth within the group. The expansion in this segment offset the decline in crude exports and strengthened the petroleum sector’s role in external trade.

The performance of petroleum exports during the first seven months of FY26 reflects notable growth in the sector’s export earnings. The increase in both refined products and top naphtha exports indicates higher outbound shipments compared to last year.

Overall, the petroleum sector emerged as one of the fastest-growing export segments during July-January FY26. The 52.29 percent increase in export value and the rise in its share of total exports highlight a measurable shift in the composition of Pakistan’s export portfolio during the review period.

Credit: INP-WealthPk