Union Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
A high-level review of the oil supply situation on Tuesday indicated that fuel loads for March and April have been largely secured, while authorities also moved ahead with plans for tighter fuel management and conservation measures amid rising global energy pressures.
The fuel situation was discussed across several official engagements and meetings as the committee to monitor petrol prices, headed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed the stocks, import arrangements and international market trends after Eid holidays.
According to the Treasury, the committee was informed that cargo inflows continued as planned and that gasoline cargoes for March and April had been “largely secured”, with additional shipments planned to further bolster supply buffers.
Total stocks were described as remaining at comfortable levels, supported by secured import arrangements and ongoing production. Officials said supply lines from import terminals to refineries, warehouses and retail outlets were operating in a stable and orderly manner,
The committee undertook a forward-looking assessment of the national oil supply outlook, reviewing the inventory availability of crude oil and refined petroleum products across the energy value chain.
Refineries were reported to be operating at normal production levels, with efforts underway to maintain optimal throughput and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude oil. Officials noted that cargo inflows continued on schedule despite changing global geopolitical conditions.
Alongside supply stability, the government also promoted discussions on demand-side management. Sources said the federal government was working on introducing a digital rationing system for oil distribution through a mobile application.
Under the proposed mechanism, citizens will have to register their vehicles and identity details. Each citizen will be allocated a fuel quota based on assessed need and availability, giving access to a fixed daily supply of petrol or diesel via the app.
The proposal to include provincial governments in oil subsidy schemes was also under consideration, with the prime minister expected to take the president into confidence to expand the subsidy burden as part of wider fiscal adjustments to support fuel prices.
The energy situation also led to discussions about conservation at the provincial level. Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the government was considering a “smart lockdown” as part of fuel-saving measures in response to the global oil crisis.
He said the government’s austerity measures had already reduced fuel consumption quotas for official vehicles by 60%. He urged citizens to limit unnecessary movement to save fuel.
At the federal level, austerity measures had already been introduced earlier, including reductions in fuel allowances for official vehicles and adjustments in public sector work arrangements, alongside appeals for fuel conservation to avoid disruptions to oil supply chains.
During the Petrol Price Monitoring Committee meeting, participants were briefed on international energy market conditions, with officials highlighting emerging global price signals and their implications for domestic prices.
Chairing the meeting, the finance minister said proactive planning, diversified procurement and close coordination among stakeholders had enabled Pakistan to maintain a stable domestic supply position despite global volatility.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb directed the concerned authorities to continue vigilant monitoring of international developments, inventory levels and supply chain dynamics to ensure timely and coordinated responses.
He reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products remained the government’s top priority, stressing continued coordination and prudent planning to maintain market stability and ensure national energy security.
Officials also noted that despite rising fuel prices, consumption had not decreased and instead increased, reinforcing the case for tighter management measures such as quota-based allocation systems and broader conservation efforts being considered.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Power Awais Leghari, Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, senior officials of relevant ministries.
