Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the critical importance of energy security for Pakistan’s future during a high-level meeting on Thursday. He stated that the government’s prompt energy conservation measures amid the ongoing regional conflict have successfully prevented a potential crisis.
In a significant development, the prime minister revealed that plans are underway to establish strategic crude oil reserves to meet the country’s future energy demands. He also stressed the need to transition transportation towards sustainable options, advocating for the gradual adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
Shehbaz Sharif directed that all future government vehicle purchases should be limited to electric buses and motorcycles. He further called for accelerating the rollout of EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Additionally, he urged the formulation of a strategy to support the procurement of batteries for storing surplus solar energy and encouraged local production of high-quality storage batteries.
During the briefing, it was noted that the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC) is continuously monitoring the energy situation daily. Officials confirmed that petroleum product stocks remain adequate and that the country’s food security is stable. Efforts by oil and gas companies have led to increased local production of gas and oil, and a PC-I is being prepared for two pilot battery storage projects at the grid level. Domestic solar energy consumers are also being incentivized to install battery storage systems.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Musadik Masood Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Sardar Awais Leghari, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik, Ahsan Iqbal, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials.
Last month, PM Shehbaz announced a comprehensive fuel conservation plan to counter the effects of the Middle East conflict. The measures include a four-day workweek, early market closures, reductions in fuel allowances, and a 20% cut in government departmental expenditures. These austerity steps coincide with increased petroleum prices in Pakistan, reflecting disruptions in the global oil supply chain.
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, which began after joint US-Israel attacks on Iran on February 28, has caused a surge in global oil and energy prices. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on US bases and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route—have intensified the crisis. Countries worldwide are responding by rationing fuel and energy to manage the fallout.
