Authorities have ordered strict action against petrol pumps involved in hoarding or creating artificial shortages as the government moves to manage fuel supplies amid rising regional tensions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials that any petrol pump or company found responsible for hoarding petroleum products should be closed immediately, its licence cancelled and legal proceedings initiated.
The instruction came during a meeting chaired by the prime minister in Lahore on Saturday to review Pakistan’s economic situation in the context of current global developments.
Sharif also asked relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive strategy focusing on austerity and fuel conservation measures and to submit actionable proposals within 48 hours.
Officials said a committee formed last week to assess the economic impact of recent geopolitical tensions has been working on proposals aimed at safeguarding the supply of petroleum products in the country.
The prime minister instructed the committee to accelerate its work and present simple and practical recommendations that could help minimise pressure on the public while ensuring continued availability of fuel.
He also directed Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to visit all four provinces and coordinate with provincial governments on a plan to conserve petroleum products while maintaining uninterrupted supply.
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered a province-wide crackdown against hoarders and profiteers accused of stockpiling petroleum products.
Following her directive, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority was mobilised across the province to monitor petrol pumps and take action against elements creating artificial shortages for illegal profit.
Authorities said petrol pumps found involved in hoarding or profiteering would be sealed and their licences cancelled under the enforcement drive.
The Punjab government said adequate petroleum supplies were available in the province and warned that no one would be allowed to exploit the public by spreading panic or creating artificial shortages under the pretext of tensions in the Gulf region.
Officials also cautioned that strict action could be taken against individuals spreading rumours about fuel shortages.
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