ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict action against anyone creating artificial shortages of petroleum products, while emphasizing the need to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies across the country.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal? Wait, correction: the participants listed included Ahsan Cheema (Ahsan? Actually Ahad Cheema), Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Awais Leghari, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, and State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that escalating tensions in the region could have adverse effects on Pakistan’s economy in the future and stressed the importance of remaining fully prepared for any emerging challenges.
He urged the nation to adopt a culture of austerity and prudent spending, recalling the public’s support for the government’s previous cost-saving campaign.
“As people supported the government’s earlier austerity drive, we should adopt the same spirit of frugality at the national level,” the prime minister said.
Fuel Supply Measures
The prime minister stated that the government had effectively managed the country’s fuel supply situation and taken measures to protect ordinary citizens from the impact of rising energy prices.
He said the government’s subsidy policies had helped reduce the burden on:
- Ordinary consumers
- Motorcycle riders
- Rickshaw drivers
- Transport operators
According to the prime minister, these measures have helped contain the effects of higher fuel prices on the public.
Preparedness for Future Challenges
Shehbaz Sharif instructed relevant authorities to remain fully prepared to respond to any potential disruptions arising from regional developments.
He directed officials to formulate a comprehensive contingency plan that would enable the government to take timely action whenever necessary.
The prime minister also instructed federal and provincial authorities to work together in preventing market manipulation.
He specifically ordered strict action against individuals or businesses found creating artificial shortages of petroleum products, saying such practices would not be tolerated.
Briefing on Fuel Stocks
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on the country’s petroleum reserves.
According to the briefing, Pakistan currently has sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet domestic requirements, and arrangements have been made to ensure continued fuel supplies in the future.
The government’s statement comes amid public concern over fuel availability following reports from sections of the oil industry warning about low petrol inventories and possible supply challenges.
Officials, however, assured the meeting that adequate reserves are available and that the government is closely monitoring the situation to maintain uninterrupted supplies throughout the country.
The review meeting formed part of the government’s broader efforts to assess the economic implications of regional geopolitical developments and to ensure preparedness against any disruptions affecting energy security, inflation, or essential commodity supplies.
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