Prime Minister reviews fuel supply and orders measures against those creating artificial shortages of petroleum products
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review austerity measures and the evolving economic situation in Islamabad on Thursday. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed concern over the recent rise in tensions between the United States and Iran, warning that the national economy could again be hit by the negative impact of the escalating regional situation.
The comments came as the prime minister chaired a meeting to review the impact of regional tensions on the country’s economy, as well as austerity and savings measures amid the recent conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the relevant authorities to remain fully prepared to address all possible challenges while uncertainty in the regional situation persists.
Release date: July 16, 2026.
وزenstein معیشت پر اثرات کا جائزہ اجلاس منعقد ہوا جس میں سادگی و کفایت شعاری کے اقدامات پر رپورٹ پیش کی گئی. وزenstein برقرار ہے، ہر ممکنہ… pic.twitter.com/GTdp6LMW0X
– Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 16, 2026
Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said the public had played a full role in the previous austerity and savings drive, for which he was “wholeheartedly grateful”.
“By the grace and mercy of Allah, the national economy is stable; a comprehensive action plan must be prepared to take timely measures if necessary,” the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.
Read: FO urges restraint as US-Iran tensions continue, says diplomacy remains only path to peace
He also praised the public for their cooperation in the national campaign to conserve petroleum products and energy, while expressing satisfaction with the country’s fuel supply.
“Through timely and effective government strategy, the fuel supply situation in the country has been managed in the best possible manner,” he said, adding that the government has protected the common man, motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transporters.
The Prime Minister further stated that thanks to the subsidy provided by the government, the effects of rising fuel prices had been effectively controlled.
He ordered authorities, in collaboration with provincial governments, to take strict action against those creating artificial shortages of petroleum products.
However, in view of the renewed tensions in the region, the prime minister warned that the national economy could be affected in the future due to the negative impact of the escalating situation.
He expressed hope that the public will provide the same support as during the previous austerity campaign, adding that cost-cutting measures should be adopted nationally in the same way.
Read also: US Vice President Vance criticizes Israeli effort to thwart peace talks with Iran
The meeting was informed that sufficient reserves of petroleum products were available in accordance with national needs and that measures had been taken to ensure future supplies.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervez Malik and Awais Khan Laghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad and senior government officials.
