PM Shehbaz reviews impact of Gulf crisis on fuel, domestic reserves

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis on petroleum products, assess Pakistan’s existing fuel reserves and examine ongoing public relief measures, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing relief to low- and middle-income citizens. “In this difficult time, we will not leave economically vulnerable segments alone,” he said.

Officials briefed the prime minister on coordinated efforts with provincial governments to speed up property registration for motorcycle and rickshaw owners to ensure they can benefit from relief programmes, the statement said.

The meeting also reviewed austerity measures already implemented under the Prime Minister’s ‘Austerity and Simplicity’ campaign, including cuts in public spending, reductions in the development budget and the immediate suspension of 60% of government vehicles. “The sacrificial process has begun with cuts in public spending,” the prime minister added.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz also highlighted that proposals to increase fuel prices had been repeatedly rejected and savings from austerity measures had been diverted to public relief. “By leveraging digital systems, relief measures will reach the common citizen effectively,” he added.

Officials briefed the Prime Minister that despite the global crisis, timely government decisions had ensured uninterrupted fuel supply. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing efforts on the diplomatic front where Pakistan is playing a proactive role in promoting peace in the region.

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The Prime Minister was presented with a detailed briefing on the implementation of fuel saving measures, future planning and the current fuel inventory. An intelligence audit report confirmed compliance with the Prime Minister’s austerity and simplicity campaign.

The briefing highlighted that sufficient fuel reserves are available to meet national requirements and that arrangements are being made for future needs. It was noted that increases in taxes on high-octane fuel used by luxury cars have not affected the cost of jet fuel.

Similarly, sufficient stocks of essential medicines are available in the country. Proposals for future action plans were also presented during the session, the statement concluded.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further noted that Pakistan was making “vigorous diplomatic efforts” on the international front to promote regional peace.