Like other parts of the world, the coronavirus has reduced commercial, trade and industrial activities in Pakistan, resulting in a sharp decline in the consumption of petroleum products and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

As such petrol and high speed diesel have witnessed a reduction of 40 percent in consumption.

The average monthly consumption of petrol in the country is over 0.2 million tonnes, while it is over 0.625 million tonnes in the case of high speed diesel.

Meanwhile, 490 mmcfd [million cubic feet per day] of LNG is used by the local industries.

According to officials, the power sector is consuming 320 mmcfd of LNG and three instead five tankers would be imported from Qatar due to the reduced consumption.

However, the LNG import will be back on track after the situation returns to normal.

Meanwhile, the OMCs [oil marketing companies] have also been directed to cancel the import contracts in the given circumstances.