PM Shehbaz reviews Gulf crisis impact on fuel, domestic reserves

PM briefed on fuel-saving measures, future plans, current stock; audit report confirms compliance with austerity drive

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis on petroleum products, assess Pakistan’s existing fuel reserves, and examine ongoing public relief measures, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

He stressed the government’s commitment to providing relief to low- and middle-income citizens. “In this difficult time, we will not leave economically vulnerable segments alone,” he said.

 

اسلام آباد: 30 مارچ 2026۔

وزیراعظم کی زیر صدارت خلیجی بحران کے پیٹرولیم مصنوعات پر اثر، پاکستان میں موجودہ ذخائر اور عوامی ریلیف کے اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس آج اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہوا.

اجلاس میں گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ کمزور اور متوسط طبقے کے لوگوں کو مزید ریلیف… pic.twitter.com/rhhfCQPM1x

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 30, 2026

Officials briefed the prime minister on coordinated efforts with provincial governments to expedite property registration for motorcycle and rickshaw owners, ensuring they can benefit from relief programmes, the statement said.

The meeting also reviewed austerity measures already implemented under the prime minister’s 'Savings and Simplicity' campaign, including cuts in government expenditures, reductions in the development budget, and the immediate suspension of 60% of government vehicles. “The process of sacrifice has begun with cuts in government spending,” the PM added.

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PM Shehbaz also highlighted that proposals to increase fuel prices had repeatedly been rejected, and savings from austerity measures had been redirected toward public relief. “By leveraging digital systems, relief measures will reach the common citizen effectively,” he added.

Officials briefed the prime minister that, despite the global crisis, timely government decisions had ensured uninterrupted fuel supply. The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts on the diplomatic front, with Pakistan playing a proactive role in promoting peace in the region.

The PM was presented with a detailed briefing on the implementation of fuel-saving measures, future planning, and the current fuel stock. An audit report from the Intelligence Bureau confirmed compliance with the PM’s austerity and simplicity campaign.

The briefing highlighted that adequate fuel reserves are available to meet national requirements and arrangements are being made for future needs. It was noted that increases in levies on high-octane fuel used by luxury vehicles have not affected the cost of jet fuel.

Similarly, sufficient stocks of essential medicines are available in the country. Proposals for future action plans were also presented during the session, the statement concluded.

PM Shehbaz further noted that Pakistan was making "vigorous diplomatic efforts" on the international front to promote regional peace.

Read More: Traders call for permanent austerity measures to tackle crises

On Friday, Shehbaz said the government had once again rejected a summary for a fuel price increase and would absorb the burden of Rs56 billion itself. He also addressed the nation on the ongoing Middle East conflict that has triggered a global fuel crisis.

Recalling the measures taken by the government so far to stabilise petroleum prices, the prime minister said that over the past three weeks, the government had borne a historic burden of Rs125b on its own, so that the public would not have to shoulder the cost. “This amount could have been used to fund numerous major development projects for your welfare, but at this moment, nothing is more important to me than protecting your financial well-being,” he added.

Further, the prime minister urged the nation to join hands with the government in implementing austerity measures, noting that it could not do so alone. “Today, I make a heartfelt and sincere appeal to you, as fellow citizens, to fully cooperate with the plans we are formulating to face this difficult time,” he added.