ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday ordered authorities to strengthen monitoring of petroleum products across Pakistan and take strict action against hoarding, as the government seeks to prevent supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
During a meeting in Islamabad to review the country’s petroleum supply and storage, the prime minister directed officials to develop a digital dashboard to track the transportation and availability of petroleum products nationwide.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum told the meeting that Pakistan currently has sufficient reserves of petroleum products to meet domestic demand. However, the government is taking precautionary measures to ensure uninterrupted supply amid concerns about global supply chain disruptions.
The prime minister instructed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to cancel the licences of petrol pumps involved in hoarding and to initiate legal action against those creating artificial shortages. He also ordered authorities to shut down petrol pumps found manipulating supply in local markets.
PM Shehbaz directed the petroleum minister to coordinate with provincial governments and develop a strategy for conserving petroleum products while maintaining consistent supply across the country.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Awais Leghari, along with the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and chief secretaries from all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Supply concerns amid regional tensions
The review meeting comes as market analysts warn that global energy supply chains could face disruptions if tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Industry officials have cautioned that the situation could affect both fuel supply and prices if the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route — faces restrictions.
Iran conflict disrupts oil supply, raising energy concerns for Pakistan
Earlier this week, Iran announced that vessels belonging to the United States, Israel and their allies would not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following a military escalation involving Tehran.
OGRA warns against hoarding
Amid concerns about potential shortages, OGRA has also warned fuel retailers against illegal hoarding. In a statement issued earlier, the regulator said any premises found storing petroleum products illegally would be sealed.
Authorities said they are closely monitoring the petroleum supply chain to ensure that fuel remains available across the country despite regional geopolitical tensions.
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