Shehbaz Sharif Warns Petrol Hoarders of Legal Action

Islamabad(Mudassar Iqbal/ Web Desk)-Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, has ordered strict measures against petrol pumps and individuals involved in hoarding petroleum products or creating artificial shortages. He warned that petrol pumps found violating regulations could face immediate closure and cancellation of their operating licenses.

The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review the country’s petroleum reserves, consumption levels, and supply situation in light of ongoing regional tensions.

During the meeting, the prime minister instructed authorities to take firm legal action against anyone attempting to stockpile fuel or manipulate the market by creating fake shortages. He described such practices as a serious and unethical business, emphasizing that the government would not allow anyone to exploit the situation or disrupt the fuel supply chain.

Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum briefed the meeting on the current fuel situation, assuring that Pakistan has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet national demand.

The session was held to evaluate how regional developments might affect the country’s energy supply and to ensure that the distribution system continues to operate smoothly.

To strengthen oversight, the prime minister also directed authorities to establish a real-time digital dashboard that will track the movement and supply of petroleum products across the country. This monitoring system will provide live data and will be shared with provincial governments to improve coordination and transparency in fuel distribution.

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The dashboard will allow authorities to monitor supply chains more effectively and ensure uninterrupted distribution of fuel.

Prime Minister Sharif also directed the petroleum minister to visit all provinces. He said the federal government should work with provincial authorities to develop effective planning for saving petroleum products and ensuring continuous supply.

The move aims to strengthen coordination between the federal and provincial governments during periods of market uncertainty.

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During the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed the prime minister on proposals aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

Officials informed the meeting that a plan has been prepared to reduce working days for offices, educational institutions, and service providers. The proposal also includes introducing virtual education systems in educational institutions and implementing work-from-home arrangements for offices.

According to the briefing, these measures will help optimize fuel consumption, manage demand, and ensure effective use of petroleum stocks.

 

The meeting was also informed that a mechanism is being considered to adjust petroleum product prices on a weekly basis. Authorities said this approach could help respond more quickly to changes in global energy markets and domestic demand.

The meeting was attended by several senior government officials and ministers. Participants included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister Jam Kamal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Also present were federal ministers Ali Pervaiz Malik, Owais Khan Leghari, and Ahad Cheema, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and State Bank Governor Jamil Ahmed.

In addition, chief secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as senior government officials, attended the meeting.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government will ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country.

He reiterated that strict oversight and coordination with provinces will help prevent shortages and maintain stability in the fuel market.