Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
A high-level review of the oil supply situation on Tuesday indicated that fuel shipments for March and April have largely been secured, while authorities also moved forward with plans for stricter fuel management and conservation measures amid rising global energy pressures.
The fuel situation was discussed at multiple official engagements and meetings as the Petrol Price Monitoring Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed stocks, import deals and international market trends after the Eid holidays.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the committee was informed that cargo flows were continuing as planned and that gasoline shipments for March and April were “largely secured”, with additional shipments planned to further strengthen supply reserves.
Overall inventories were described as remaining at comfortable levels, supported by guaranteed import agreements 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 carried out a forward-looking assessment of the domestic oil supply outlook, reviewing the availability of crude oil and refined petroleum products stocks across the energy value chain.
Refineries were reported to be operating at regular production levels, and efforts were being made to maintain optimal performance and ensure efficient processing of incoming crude oil. Officials noted that cargo flows continued as planned despite evolving global geopolitical conditions.
In addition to supply stability, the government also advanced 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 would have to register their vehicles and their identity details. Each citizen would be assigned a fuel quota based on assessed need and availability, allowing access to a fixed daily supply of gasoline or diesel through the app.
The proposal to include provincial governments in oil subsidy agreements was also being considered, and the Prime Minister was expected to entrust the President with the possibility of expanding the subsidy burden as part of broader fiscal adjustments in fuel price support.
The energy situation also prompted conservation debates at the provincial level. Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the government was contemplating a “smart lockdown” as part of fuel conservation measures in response to the global oil crisis.
He said the government’s austerity measures had already reduced fuel consumption subsidies for official vehicles by 60%. He urged citizens to limit unnecessary movements to save fuel.
At the federal level, austerity measures had previously been introduced, including reductions in fuel subsidies for official vehicles and adjustments to public sector working arrangements, along with calls for fuel conservation to avoid disruptions to oil supply chains.
During the Oil Price Monitoring Committee meeting, participants were briefed on international energy market conditions, and officials highlighted 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 concerned authorities to continue to closely monitor international developments, stock 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, and emphasized sustained coordination and prudent planning to maintain market stability and safeguard national energy security.
Officials also noted that despite rising fuel prices, consumption had not decreased but increased, strengthening the case for stricter management measures such as quota-based allocation systems and broader conservation efforts being considered.
The meeting was attended by Power Minister Awais Leghari, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior officials of relevant ministries.
