Pakistan’s Oil Marketing Company (OMC) sector posted a 130% year-on-year increase in earnings during the first nine months of FY26, with total profits rising to Rs52.9 billion compared to Rs22.9 billion in the same period last year.

According to a sector summary shared by Arif Habib Limited, the sharp increase in profitability was driven by higher inventory gains, elevated fuel prices, and a significant reduction in finance costs.

Sector gross profit climbed 86% year-on-year to Rs161.3 billion, lifting gross margins to 6.2%, even as net revenue slipped 3% to Rs2.61 trillion.

Finance costs also declined sharply, falling 35% to Rs20 billion, providing substantial support to bottom-line growth.

Major listed players drive earnings growth

Among key KSE-100 oil marketing firms:

• Pakistan State Oil reported a 149.6% rise in profit after tax to Rs38.1 billion
• Attock Petroleum Limited posted a 91.8% increase in net earnings to Rs14.7 billion

These companies were major contributors to the sector’s overall earnings surge.

Analysts attributed much of the profitability boost to inventory gains, particularly during the third quarter when higher petroleum prices lifted valuation gains on fuel stocks.

Combined with lower borrowing costs and strong pricing dynamics, these factors helped offset softer revenues.

The results highlight how Pakistan’s OMC sector has benefited from favorable pricing conditions and reduced financing pressure, though profitability trends may remain sensitive to future fuel price movements, demand conditions, and regulatory changes.