ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal authorities to coordinate with provincial governments and take strict action against those creating an artificial shortage of petroleum products.
The prime minister issued the directive while chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review the effects of regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy and assess the country’s preparedness for potential energy and economic challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif currently serves as Pakistan’s prime minister.
Officials presented a report on government austerity and energy-conservation measures during the meeting.
The prime minister instructed the relevant departments to remain fully prepared for possible challenges and develop a comprehensive strategy for taking timely action if economic or supply conditions deteriorated.
Government Says Fuel Stocks Are Sufficient
Shehbaz said Pakistan had sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet the country’s requirements and that arrangements had been made to secure future supplies.
He said the government had effectively managed the fuel supply situation despite regional uncertainty.
The prime minister praised the public for supporting the national campaign to conserve petroleum products and energy, saying similar austerity measures should be adopted more widely across the country.
He also thanked citizens for their participation in the previous conservation campaign.
Protection for Motorcyclists and Transporters
The prime minister said government measures had helped protect ordinary consumers, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transport operators, from the full impact of higher fuel prices.
He said subsidies had been used to limit the effects of petroleum price increases on vulnerable sections of society.
Shehbaz maintained that Pakistan’s economy remained stable but directed officials to prepare a detailed response plan so that timely measures could be introduced if required.
The meeting was informed that arrangements had been made to ensure the continued availability of petroleum products in the coming period.
Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Awais Leghari attended the meeting, along with Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa and State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad.
Also Read: Lahore Petrol Shortage: Pakistan Left With 15 Days of Fuel Stocks
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