The meeting also considered proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society who are facing economic pressures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered authorities to take strict action against smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products, citing the developing regional situation.
The development came a day after President Asif Zardari and the Prime Minister assured at a high-level meeting that sufficient fuel stocks were available to meet the country’s needs, and future arrangements were also in the works.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the oil supply chain, conservation measures and measures to ensure efficiency in the current situation.
The meeting also considered proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society facing economic pressures. The Prime Minister asked relevant ministries to finalize the recommendations in consultation with provincial governments and submit them for approval.
Stressing strict enforcement, the Prime Minister asked authorities to act firmly against those involved in smuggling and illegal stockpiling of petroleum products, warning that no leniency would be made to maintain market stability.
He noted that over the past three weeks, the Federal Government had taken significant steps to support vulnerable segments and reiterated that efforts would continue to prioritize assistance to the most disadvantaged.
The government has provided assistance worth Rs 129 billion to the people by reducing development expenditure and implementing austerity and cost-saving measures to prevent an increase in fuel prices, the prime minister said in the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the availability of fuel, Shehbaz said timely decisions taken by the Federal Government had ensured sufficient oil stocks to meet national needs. “Providing relief to the population remains our top priority,” he added.
The meeting was briefed on the progress made in the implementation of austerity measures. Officials informed the participants that the demand and supply of petroleum products, as well as the entire supply chain, were regularly monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Economy Ahad Cheema, Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar, Minister of Oil Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Minister of Energy Awais Khan Leghari.
