PM’s timely decisions avert fuel crisis, keep petrol, diesel prices stable: Tara

• Information Minister says Prime Minister’s timely decisions ensure adequate oil reserves amid skyrocketing Gulf prices

• Says Rs69b relief provided over two weeks to shield public from international price spike

• Says austerity measures implemented; development budget cut by Rs24b to protect citizens

• Petroleum Minister claims oil prices surged from $70 to $160–170 per barrel in just weeks

• Says Saudi Arabia and UAE supplying crude uninterrupted, securing Pakistan’s energy needs

 LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had taken timely and decisive measures to replenish the country’s oil reserves amid rising global prices, while many countries in the region were resorting to fuel rationing.

Addressing a joint press conference with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Tarar said the prime minister had directed the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, and the petroleum team worked tirelessly to prevent any shortage across the country.

“By the grace of Allah Almighty, the Prime Minister formed a committee and held daily review meetings, which ensured adequate oil reserves for the country,” he said, adding that future oil cargoes are also being arranged, as informed by Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.

Oil conservation and public responsibility

Tarar cautioned that the absence of a shortage does not mean resources should be wasted, noting that Gulf oil prices have skyrocketed from $70 per barrel to $158 per barrel, and Pakistan continues to feel the impact.

He stressed that oil prices in Pakistan are linked to international market rates, and significant efforts have been made to prevent further burden on the public after the recent Rs55 per litre increase in petrol prices.

“Austerity and simplicity are our priorities,” he said, adding that all government departments are implementing measures to reduce unnecessary expenditure. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, adopt fuel-saving practices, and promote shared mobility, such as carpooling. Owners of multiple vehicles were encouraged to use low-fuel-consumption cars to conserve resources.

Government relief measures and price management

Tarar highlighted that last week, proposals were made to increase petrol by Rs 50 per litre and diesel by Rs74 per litre. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ensured savings by cutting the development budget by Rs24 billion, protecting the public from additional financial burden.

He added that when international oil prices surged again this week, proposals were made to raise petrol by Rs77 per litre and diesel by Rs176 per litre, but the government provided Rs69 billion in relief over the past two weeks to mitigate the impact.

“The government is also exploring mechanisms where the poor benefit most, while those who can afford it bear a larger share of the burden,” he said, emphasizing that the nation must unite to conserve oil and protect foreign exchange.

Petroleum Minister’s remarks on rising global oil prices

Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik noted that the entire region is affected by escalating conflicts, which has caused crude oil prices in the Gulf to surge from $70 per barrel three weeks ago to $160–170 per barrel. Diesel prices have also risen sharply.

“In this challenging scenario, the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, decided to pass only a minimal increase to the market,” he said. He added that refineries were directed to continue purchasing costly fuel to prevent shortages.

Malik said the government’s top priority was uninterrupted fuel supply, while austerity measures were introduced to save funds. Rs 27 billion were allocated to a special fund to manage the impact of rising petroleum prices.

To provide maximum relief during Eid-ul-Fitr, the Prime Minister decided that fuel prices would remain unchanged, urging citizens to act responsibly and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.

Diplomatic efforts to secure oil supplies

Tarar also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, noting that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arranged crude oil supplies from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia is supplying oil via the Red Sea, while the UAE supplies oil from Fujairah without interruption.

He concluded that, with the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan will overcome this challenging phase through discipline, diplomacy, and responsible public behavior, ensuring fuel security for all citizens.