PM orders strict fuel oversight, eyes further relief for public

• Premier Shehbaz reviews petroleum supply chain, orders strict action against hoarding, illegal trade

• Tells ministries told to finalise proposals to provide more relief to low-income segments, saying Rs129b relief delivered by freezing fuel prices

• Assures uninterrupted petroleum availability, saying austerity drive gains pace nationwide as digital dashboard tracks supply chain in real time

• Says govt prioritises stability amid global uncertainty, stressing austerity cuts fund consumer support

  ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reviewed ongoing austerity and conservation measures in the context of the evolving regional situation, directing authorities to finalize proposals for further relief to low-income segments while ordering strict action against petroleum smuggling and illegal hoarding to ensure market stability and consumer protection, state media reported.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the petroleum products supply chain, the prime minister instructed relevant ministries to submit final, province-backed recommendations to strengthen supply management and sustain public relief amid global uncertainties, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on the supply chain of Petroleum Products and Austerity Measures in wake of current regional situation. pic.twitter.com/FngE2HmhDM

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 31, 2026

Emphasizing strict enforcement, the prime minister directed authorities to intensify crackdowns on petroleum smuggling and illegal stockpiling, warning that such practices would not be tolerated. He noted that the government had already taken significant steps over the past three weeks to support vulnerable segments and reaffirmed its commitment to shielding the poor from mounting economic pressures, the PMO said.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت خطے کی صورتحال کے پیش نظر پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی سپلائی چین، بچت اور کفایت شعاری کے لیے جاری اقدامات کے نفاذ کے حوالے سے اجلاس

اجلاس میں کم آمدنی والے طبقات کو موجودہ صورتحال کے تناظر میں ریلیف پہنچانے کے حوالے سے اقدامات کا جائزہ لیا گیا۔… pic.twitter.com/S2vgaV1En9

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 31, 2026

Highlighting relief measures, the prime minister said that through cuts in the development budget and implementation of austerity and savings initiatives, the federal government had provided relief amounting to Rs129 billion by preventing an increase in petroleum prices. He added that timely decisions had ensured sufficient availability of petroleum products to meet domestic demand.

“Our foremost priority is to provide relief to the people,” the prime minister reiterated.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت خطے کی صورتحال کے پیشِ نظر پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کی سپلائی چین، بچت اور کفایت شعاری کے لیے جاری اقدامات کے نفاذ کے حوالے سے اجلاس

اجلاس میں کم آمدنی والے طبقات کو موجودہ صورتحال کے تناظر میں ریلیف پہنچانے کے حوالے سے اقدامات کا جائزہ لیا گیا۔… pic.twitter.com/jUVKdBnw4s

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 31, 2026

During the briefing, participants were informed that austerity measures were being implemented steadily, while the demand and supply of petroleum products across the country were being closely monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and uninterrupted availability within the supply chain, the PMO statement said.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, and senior officials from relevant departments.