ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday assured that Pakistan holds sufficient petroleum reserves to meet national demand, while calling on citizens to adopt fuel-saving practices in light of rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review fuel conservation and austerity measures, the prime minister said the country’s energy security remains stable due to timely government decisions and effective monitoring of the petroleum supply chain. He urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and encouraged workplaces to shift towards teleconferencing to reduce fuel consumption.
The assurance comes as global oil markets face volatility due to disruptions in key supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, placing additional strain on import-dependent economies like Pakistan. The government has already introduced austerity measures, including cuts in development spending, restrictions on non-essential expenditures, and initiatives to rationalise energy usage.
Despite recent increases in petroleum prices, the government absorbed a significant portion of the cost to shield consumers. PM Shehbaz highlighted that Rs125 billion had been reallocated through budgetary savings to prevent a steeper rise in fuel prices, reiterating that public relief remains a top priority.
The government is also working on a targeted subsidy mechanism aimed at supporting low-income groups, especially motorcycle riders and rickshaw drivers. In this regard, provincial governments have been directed to facilitate proper vehicle registration to ensure eligibility for future relief programmes.
The prime minister further instructed authorities to strengthen coordination with provincial administrations, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to ensure consistent implementation of conservation policies nationwide.
Officials informed the meeting that petroleum supply and demand are being closely monitored through a digital dashboard, with import arrangements for April already finalised to avoid any disruptions. They noted that, unlike several countries experiencing shortages and long queues at fuel stations, Pakistan has so far maintained stable supplies due to proactive planning and effective governance.
A briefing was also presented on a proposed mobile application-based fuel subsidy system for two- and three-wheelers, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and targeted delivery of relief to deserving segments of society.
Story by Syed Irfan Raza
