ISLAMABAD: In a decisive move to tackle the ongoing concerns over fuel availability, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed provincial authorities to take stringent legal measures against those hoarding petroleum products. He warned that any petrol station found deliberately creating an artificial shortage will face immediate closure and cancellation of its license. This stern directive aims to protect consumers from exploitation and ensure the steady availability of fuel across the country.
The Prime Minister’s orders came during a high-level meeting convened in Islamabad, where the Ministry of Petroleum presented a comprehensive briefing on the current stock levels of petroleum products. The discussion was framed against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics that have raised public anxiety about potential supply disruptions. However, officials reassured the attendees that Pakistan maintains sufficient reserves to meet the nation’s fuel demands, effectively dispelling fears of an imminent shortage.
Chairing the session, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of manipulation in the fuel market. He stated emphatically that those involved in creating artificial scarcity for personal gain would be dealt with harshly. “Any petrol pump engaged in such unethical practices will be sealed without delay, their operating licenses revoked, and legal proceedings initiated,” he declared, underscoring the administration’s commitment to safeguard consumer rights and stabilize the market.
To further bolster the supply chain and prevent future crises, the Prime Minister instructed the Petroleum Minister to undertake visits to all provinces. This initiative aims to foster close coordination between federal and provincial governments, enabling the formulation of a robust strategy focused on conservation and uninterrupted distribution of petroleum products. Such collaboration is expected to streamline operations and enhance responsiveness to any emerging challenges in fuel supply.
In addition to enforcement measures, the Prime Minister called for the establishment of a real-time monitoring dashboard. This innovative platform will track the movement of petroleum products throughout the country, providing transparent and up-to-date information accessible to provincial authorities. The system is designed to improve oversight, reduce leakages, and ensure that fuel reaches consumers without unnecessary delays or diversions.
The meeting brought together a wide array of senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Owais Khan Leghari. Also present were Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, along with chief secretaries from all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Their collective presence highlighted the government’s unified approach to addressing the fuel supply concerns and reinforcing administrative coordination at all levels.
This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s determination to maintain energy stability amid fluctuating international oil markets and regional uncertainties. By combining strict enforcement against hoarders, enhanced intergovernmental cooperation, and advanced monitoring tools, the administration aims to secure Pakistan’s fuel supply chain and protect consumers from artificial shortages and price manipulations.
