The government on Thursday said petroleum stocks remain at comfortable levels but warned of strict action against hoarding, illegal storage and smuggling as regional energy risks intensify.
The assurance came at a meeting of the committee constituted by the prime minister to monitor petrol prices amid the evolving regional situation. The session, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division, reviewed supply conditions, pricing risks and contingency planning.
Officials told the meeting that sufficient cover is available for key petroleum products and there is no immediate concern regarding availability. However, the committee noted that the regional and global energy environment remains fluid, with elevated freight and insurance costs, shipping route disruptions and congestion risks at major global chokepoints.
Participants were briefed on international oil market trends, including movements in global benchmarks and competition for energy cargoes in Asian markets. The committee observed that “war premium” dynamics could exert pressure on Pakistan’s external account if volatility persists.
To safeguard domestic supplies, members examined alternative sourcing strategies and logistics arrangements, including the use of routes and ports outside high-risk corridors. Updates were shared on diplomatic and commercial engagements with supplier countries aimed at securing additional crude and refined product volumes. Measures to facilitate timely berthing and utilise available national shipping capacity were also discussed.
The committee agreed on coordinated enforcement action with provincial administrations, in collaboration with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and other agencies, to deter hoarding and prevent outward smuggling. Ensuring uninterrupted domestic distribution was declared a top operational priority.
Aurangzeb said the government’s foremost objective is to maintain uninterrupted nationwide availability of petroleum products, adding that supply considerations would remain central to policy decisions. He said the situation is being managed through daily monitoring, scenario planning and coordinated decision-making, with established mechanisms in place to address international price pressures.
The meeting also reviewed LNG and LPG supplies, including shipment schedules, terminal operations and potential disruptions, and discussed contingency options to manage demand if required.
The committee will finalise its recommendations and submit a comprehensive implementation plan to the prime minister covering supply assurance, enforcement, pricing and conservation measures. It will continue to meet daily to review stock positions and supply chain developments.
The meeting was attended by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar virtually, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, provincial chief secretaries and senior officials.
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