In a decisive move to tackle the ongoing issues related to petrol shortages, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday issued strict instructions to provincial authorities to clamp down on petrol pumps found hoarding fuel. He emphasized the immediate sealing of such outlets, cancellation of their operating licenses, and the initiation of legal action against those responsible for creating artificial scarcity in petroleum products across the country.
The Prime Minister was chairing a high-level meeting focused on the availability and distribution of petroleum products, a matter that has recently raised public concern due to perceived shortages. During this session, officials from the Ministry of Petroleum presented detailed briefings, assuring that the country currently holds sufficient petroleum reserves to meet the national demand despite the complex regional dynamics affecting supply chains.
Highlighting the need for a coordinated approach, Shehbaz Sharif instructed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to undertake visits to various provinces. The objective is to work closely with provincial governments to formulate a comprehensive action plan aimed at conserving petroleum products. This strategy is intended not only to prevent hoarding but also to guarantee a continuous and reliable supply of fuel to consumers nationwide.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of transparency and real-time monitoring in managing petroleum logistics. He directed the establishment of a centralized dashboard system that would track the movement and distribution of petroleum products across the country. This platform will facilitate timely data sharing between federal and provincial authorities, enabling swift responses to any irregularities in transportation or supply chains.
The meeting saw the participation of several key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, as well as Federal Ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Awais Khan Leghari. Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar were also present, alongside Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad. Chief secretaries from all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan attended the session, reflecting the federal government’s commitment to a unified and effective response to the fuel supply challenges.
This comprehensive approach signals the government’s determination to curb illegal practices that disrupt fuel availability and to reassure the public that adequate measures are being taken to stabilize the petroleum sector. The Prime Minister’s directives aim to restore confidence in the market and ensure that citizens have uninterrupted access to essential petroleum products during these challenging times.
