PM orders strict action against fuel hoarders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to launch strict action against individuals and groups involved in creating an artificial

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to launch strict action against individuals and groups involved in creating an artificial shortage of petroleum products. He said the federal and provincial governments must work together to prevent hoarding and ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel across the country.

The prime minister issued the directives while chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the impact of ongoing regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy. Senior government officials presented a detailed briefing on the country’s economic situation, fuel supply arrangements and the implementation of austerity measures.

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif instructed all relevant ministries and departments to remain fully prepared for any possible economic or supply-related challenges. He said a comprehensive contingency plan should be in place so the government can respond quickly to any changing situation.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s economy remains stable despite regional uncertainty. However, he stressed that continuous monitoring and timely decision-making are essential to safeguard economic stability and protect public interests.

He appreciated the role played by the public during the government’s previous austerity and energy conservation campaign. He thanked citizens for supporting efforts aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting responsible use of energy resources.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government had successfully managed the country’s petroleum supply and ensured that fuel remained available throughout the recent period of uncertainty. He added that effective planning had helped avoid disruptions in the supply chain despite regional developments.

The prime minister said the government had taken special measures to protect ordinary citizens from the impact of rising fuel prices. He noted that motorcycle riders, rickshaw drivers, transport operators and other low-income groups had particularly benefited from government support.

He added that subsidies provided by the government had played an important role in limiting the financial impact of higher petroleum prices and protecting consumers from additional economic pressure.

The premier also stressed the importance of making austerity a permanent national practice rather than a temporary measure. He said the spirit of responsible spending demonstrated by the public during previous campaigns should continue in the future to help strengthen the country’s economy.

Officials informed the meeting that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand. They also assured the prime minister that necessary arrangements have been completed to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products in the coming months.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Awais Leghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa and State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, who reviewed the country’s preparedness and discussed measures to maintain economic stability amid regional challenges.