ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to address the ongoing concerns over fuel availability, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday instructed provincial administrations to take stringent action against petrol stations found guilty of hoarding petroleum products. He ordered the immediate sealing of such outlets, cancellation of their operational licenses, and the initiation of legal proceedings against those responsible for creating artificial shortages that disrupt the market and inconvenience consumers nationwide.
The prime minister chaired a comprehensive high-level meeting focused on ensuring the steady supply of petroleum products across Pakistan. During the session, he underscored the importance of cracking down on unscrupulous practices that undermine the fuel supply chain. His firm stance aims to protect consumers from exploitation and to maintain the uninterrupted availability of essential energy resources.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum provided detailed updates, assuring the government that the country currently holds adequate reserves of petroleum products to meet the national demand despite facing various regional challenges. These assurances come amid concerns raised by some quarters about potential shortages and price fluctuations in the fuel market.
In addition to enforcement measures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tasked Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik with the responsibility of visiting provincial capitals to collaborate closely with local authorities. The goal is to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at conserving petroleum products and guaranteeing their continuous supply to the public. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to proactive management of fuel resources and prevention of future crises.
Furthermore, the prime minister directed the establishment of a centralized dashboard that will enable real-time monitoring of petroleum product movements throughout the country. This digital platform is expected to enhance transparency and allow authorities to track transportation and distribution efficiently, thereby minimizing opportunities for hoarding and black-market activities.
The meeting brought together key figures from the federal and provincial governments, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, several federal ministers, provincial chief secretaries, the Governor of the State Bank, and senior representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as Gilgit-Baltistan. Their collective presence highlights the multi-tiered approach the government is adopting to tackle fuel supply issues comprehensively.
Overall, these measures reflect the administration’s heightened focus on safeguarding energy supplies amid a challenging economic environment. By combining strict enforcement with strategic planning and technological oversight, the government aims to stabilize the petroleum sector and protect consumers from undue hardship.
