Port Qasim Petroleum Cargo Surge Boosts Pakistan Energy Security as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Redirects Global Shipping
Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy supply chain remained resilient as the Port Qasim Authority reported a significant rise in petroleum cargo handling during March, driven by shifting global shipping routes and ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Port activities across Pakistan have accelerated following Iran’s retaliatory closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to illegal US-Israel attacks, prompting global shipping lines to reroute cargo flows toward safer regional ports, including Port Qasim.
Despite geopolitical disruptions, Pakistan’s fuel imports via sea have continued uninterrupted, ensuring stable energy supply. According to official data, Port Qasim recorded its highest vessel traffic, handling approximately 450,000 tonnes of petroleum products across 17 vessels in March. These shipments originated from key global energy hubs including Oman, Fujairah, Singapore, Sohar, Yanbu, and Iraq.
Operational efficiency at the port improved further with the introduction of night navigation for LPG carriers, alongside modernised port systems and dedicated energy terminals. These upgrades enabled seamless cargo handling without congestion, strengthening Pakistan’s position in regional maritime logistics and oil supply chains.
The port managed 11 vessels carrying around 417,000 tonnes of petroleum products, while an additional six LPG carriers transported nearly 33,000 tonnes, reflecting strong growth in both oil and gas imports. Bunkering activities also witnessed an uptick, highlighting increased vessel traffic and fueling demand.
As conflict continues to impact shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, international shipping companies are increasingly redirecting vessels toward Pakistan, boosting port throughput and trade volumes. Transshipment activity has also picked up, with the Qasim International Container Terminal handling 3,485 TEUs across two vessels.
The surge in cargo volumes underscores Pakistan’s growing strategic importance in global maritime trade, energy security, and regional shipping logistics amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
