PM orders crackdown on fuel smuggling

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to take strict action against the smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products, citing the evolving regional situation.

The development came a day after President Asif Zardari and the prime minister assured in a high-level meeting that adequate fuel stocks were available to meet the country's needs, with future arrangements also under way.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the petroleum supply chain, conservation measures and the steps aimed at ensuring efficiency in the current situation.

The meeting also examined proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of the society who face economic pressures. The prime minister directed relevant ministries to finalise recommendations in consultation with provincial governments and submit them for approval.

Emphasising strict enforcement, the prime minister instructed the authorities to act firmly against those involved in smuggling and illegal stockpiling of petroleum products, warning that no leniency would be shown in maintaining market stability.

He noted that over the past three weeks, the federal government had taken significant measures to support vulnerable segments and reiterated that efforts would continue to prioritise relief for the underprivileged.

The government has provided relief worth Rs129 billion to the people by reducing development expenditure and implementing austerity and savings measures to prevent an increase in fuel prices, the prime minister told the meeting.

Expressing satisfaction with the fuel availability, Shehbaz said that timely decisions by the federal government had ensured sufficient petroleum stocks to meet national requirements. "Providing relief to the public remains our foremost priority," he added.

The meeting was briefed on progress in implementing austerity measures. Officials informed participants that the demand and supply of petroleum products, as well as the entire supply chain, were being regularly monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Those present at the meeting included Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Power Minister Awais Khan Leghari.