Pakistan Implements Measures to Ensure Fuel Supply Amid Price Hikes

Pakistan's government has raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, effective immediately. The new rates are Rs321.17 per litre for petrol and Rs335.86 per litre for diesel. This increase is attributed to global supply constraints resulting from Middle East tensions.

In response to concerns about fuel availability, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz assured the public that the province has ample petroleum stocks. She stated that the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA) has been tasked with ensuring supply in the region.

Authorities in Islamabad have sealed seven petrol stations for denying fuel to motorists. The district administration reported that the city has over 2.5 million liters of petrol and more than 1.5 million liters of diesel available.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has directed all oil marketing companies to maintain an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and adhere to government-notified fuel prices. Ogra emphasized that adequate stocks are available and urged the public to avoid panic buying.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that Pakistan has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic requirements, dismissing concerns about shortages. He stated that the country currently maintains a 28-day stock of petroleum products.

The government is closely monitoring international energy markets and domestic supply conditions to address the situation promptly.