ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to relevant authorities to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products amid concerns over a possible artificial shortage.
The prime minister held a meeting of high importance to discuss the impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy and also the government’s steps regarding energy security, fuel and austerity programs.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his concern over the uncertainties in the region and emphasized the importance of being fully prepared for any future developments.
He thanked the people for cooperating with the government in its energy saving and austerity program, noting that collective efforts had enabled the country to tackle economic difficulties.
The prime minister told the officials to devise a comprehensive plan for prompt action whenever needed. He also ordered the provincial governments to punish people who try to cause an artificial shortage of petroleum products.
Shehbaz Sharif informed that the government had succeeded in managing the supply of fuel by planning ahead and thus saved ordinary citizens, motorcycle riders, rickshaw drivers and transporters from the effects of price pressure.
He added that subsidies and targeted measures had helped reduce the burden of rising fuel costs on the public.
PM Shehbaz warned that growing regional tensions could have negative effects on the country’s economic outlook and emphasized the need to adopt austerity measures at a national level.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that sufficient petroleum reserves were available to meet domestic requirements and that arrangements had been made to ensure future supplies.
The meeting concluded with a review of economic preparedness and measures aimed at maintaining energy security amid changing regional circumstances.
