ISLAMABAD: The federal government has assured that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortage despite escalating regional tensions, as a high-level committee has begun daily monitoring of petroleum stocks and global price movements to safeguard supply continuity.
A meeting of the committee constituted by the Prime Minister to monitor petrol prices amid the emerging regional situation was held at the Finance Division under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The committee conducted a comprehensive review of petroleum product stocks, forward and futures market trends, and assessed the resilience of regional and international supply chains in light of the evolving geopolitical environment. Members also examined the potential short- and medium-term foreign exchange implications of oil price volatility and evaluated measures to prevent supply disruptions.
Officials informed the meeting that national stocks of petroleum products are currently at comfortable levels. The finance minister emphasized that maintaining market confidence and ensuring uninterrupted domestic availability of fuel remain the government’s foremost priorities.
Participants were briefed on global oil market dynamics, including movements in international benchmarks, freight and insurance costs, shipping route risks, and alternate sourcing options. Various supply and pricing scenarios were evaluated to ensure preparedness under different contingencies, including the fiscal impact of a prolonged conflict.
The committee noted that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz or heightened tensions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could have serious implications for global energy security and potentially affect Pakistan’s supply chain if the situation persists.
The meeting also reviewed LNG and LPG supply positions, shipment schedules, terminal operations, and line-pack considerations. Relevant ministries were directed to refine scenario assessments, particularly the economic and fiscal trade-offs associated with alternative fuel utilization and demand management strategies.
To ensure institutional readiness, the committee decided to convene daily for structured data consolidation and formal review. This mechanism will allow real-time monitoring of international price movements, domestic stock levels, foreign exchange exposure, and shipping developments.
The finance minister directed all concerned entities to intensify coordination, validate physical stock positions, closely track incoming shipments, and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging developments. He stressed that any pricing implications arising from international market movements would be addressed through established and transparent mechanisms to avoid abrupt distortions.
The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory bodies.
Concluding the session, the finance minister reaffirmed that the government is closely monitoring the situation at the highest level and that comprehensive contingency planning is actively underway to protect national energy security.
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