Auto industry flags flawed fuel-consumption data in climate plan

Business Recorder reported that automotive stakeholders and policy experts have flagged inconsistencies in official figures used in the newly released Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP). The plan, a government blueprint for tackling climate vulnerability and drawing green investment, puts the number of motorcycles in use at 10 million and values their yearly fuel use at USD 6 billion to USD 8 billion. Sector veterans and analysts question that estimate, saying it sits poorly with sovereign financial figures.

According to State Bank of Pakistan figures, FY26 refined petroleum imports reached USD 6.2 billion, while crude imports came to USD 6.8 billion. Tauqir Ahmed, a road safety expert and industry veteran, said the refined import bill covers diesel, jet fuel and petrol, and that some petrol is made domestically from imported crude. On that reading, motorcycles would absorb nearly the whole refined import bill, leaving trucks, cars and buses with almost nothing.

The Economic Survey of Pakistan, with figures running through March 2026, reports 31.9 million two-wheelers, far above the CPP's 10 million active motorcycles. Ahmed put the current fleet at between 16 million and 18 million, factoring in vehicle lifespans and economic strain. SM Ishtiaq, chief executive of MSM Engineering, argued that an auto policy favouring importers over local makers is adding to sector pressures and urged policymakers to rely on verified data.