Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a nationwide crackdown on fuel hoarders amid supply concerns. Authorities say petrol reserves remain sufficient despite regional tensions affecting markets. The directive aims to protect consumers and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across Pakistan.
The decision came during a high-level meeting in Islamabad reviewing petroleum product availability. Officials from the Petroleum Ministry briefed participants on current reserves. They said existing stocks are adequate to meet national demand in coming weeks.
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Meanwhile, the prime minister directed provincial governments to take strict legal action against hoarders. He ordered authorities to immediately seal petrol pumps creating artificial shortages. Licences of violators should be cancelled and legal proceedings launched against responsible individuals.
Furthermore, Shehbaz instructed the petroleum minister to coordinate with provinces for a comprehensive fuel management strategy. The plan will focus on conserving petroleum products and maintaining uninterrupted public supply. In addition, authorities will improve monitoring of fuel transportation nationwide.
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The meeting included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and several federal ministers and officials. Provincial chief secretaries from all regions also participated in the discussion. The prime minister also directed development of a digital dashboard to monitor petroleum movement in real time.