Pakistan has sufficient petroleum stocks to meet domestic demand, PM says

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review fuel conservation and austerity measures as regional tensions threaten the supply of petroleum products.

Officials briefed the meeting on Pakistan’s current fuel reserves, consumption patterns, and cargo supplies, noting that sufficient petroleum stocks are available to meet domestic demand, with additional arrangements under way.

The briefing highlighted that timely instructions from the prime minister had ensured effective management of fuel reserves.

Given the volatile situation in the Middle East and the wider region, which could severely disrupt fuel deliveries, the government plans to implement additional conservation measures in the coming days, the meeting was told.

Shahbaz directed the provinces to develop a comprehensive action plan to respond to any emergency.

The meeting also reviewed progress on existing austerity and conservation policies, which officials said had already provided relief to the public.

Officials said that implementation of the prime minister’s directives is being closely monitored, including by the Intelligence Bureau.

Shahbaz urged government officials and the public to adopt a spirit of sacrifice and collective responsibility, emphasizing carpooling, limiting unnecessary travel, and adopting shared transportation to preserve fuel supplies.

He called for all relevant agencies to remain prepared for emergency measures until conditions stabilize.

The meeting was attended by Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Adviser Lt-Gen. Muhammad Asim Malik, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, IT & Telecom Minister Shiza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance & Railways Bilal Azhar Kiani, and senior officials from relevant departments.

The government said all fuel supplies are being closely monitored to detect irregularities and take prompt corrective action.