PM orders crackdown on oil hoarding, smuggling

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to tighten measures against smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products while ensuring supply stability and relief for low-income groups.

Chairing a meeting on petroleum supply chain management and austerity measures, Sharif reviewed steps being taken to maintain fuel availability amid regional tensions and rising economic pressures.

He ordered relevant ministries to coordinate with provincial governments and submit final proposals, while stressing the need for strict action against smuggling and unlawful stockpiling of fuel.

The prime minister said the government had taken key measures over the past three weeks to provide relief to low-income segments and would continue such efforts.

He added that through austerity measures, cuts in the development budget and other savings initiatives, the government had provided Rs129 billion in relief to the public by helping prevent increases in petroleum prices.

Sharif said timely decisions by the government had ensured sufficient petroleum stocks to meet domestic demand.

“Providing relief to the public remains our top priority,” he said.

The meeting was briefed on the implementation of austerity and savings measures, as well as ongoing monitoring of petroleum demand and supply through a digital dashboard.

Officials said the entire supply chain is being monitored regularly to ensure efficiency and transparency.

The meeting was attended by several federal ministers and senior officials, including Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, among others.