Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Dr Musadik Malik on Saturday stated that the government had successfully protected the public from fuel shortages and softened the blow of the global oil crisis through timely and proactive measures.
In a joint media briefing, they noted that despite severe international challenges, the authorities ensured continuous fuel availability while taking decisive steps to shield citizens from the sharp rise in oil prices.
The minister acknowledged, however, that ordinary people are still feeling the pinch of inflation and higher fuel costs. “With a heavy heart, we reiterate that while the government is doing everything possible, the impact is still being felt by ordinary citizens,” they said.
The ministers stressed that safeguarding the financial well-being and dignity of every citizen—particularly the most vulnerable—remains a top priority. They assured that all possible efforts are being made to provide relief and ease economic burdens.
Dr Malik explained that roughly Rs129 billion had been allocated to stabilize fuel prices, sourced through development funds and government savings rather than reckless spending.
He highlighted austerity measures that included reducing official fuel use by 50 percent, sidelining 60 percent of government vehicles, cutting ministers’ salaries, and scaling back development expenditures.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif deliberately ensured that only those capable of bearing higher costs faced the increased oil prices, while protecting farmers, laborers, students, and public transport users. Subsidies were extended to buses, motorcyclists, trucks, and goods transporters to prevent sharp increases in prices of essentials like fruits, vegetables, wheat, and rice.
Dr Malik further mentioned that recent steps, such as reducing the petroleum levy by Rs80, brought petrol prices down from Rs458 to Rs378 per liter, while additional subsidies lowered the effective rate for motorcyclists to Rs278 per liter. He emphasized that the government continues diplomatic engagement internationally while encouraging citizens to conserve fuel and energy.
Speaking to the media, Tarar said that the prime minister had directed all relevant ministries from the beginning of regional tensions to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, making certain that no group—including farmers, laborers, working women, and youth—would face shortages.
He pointed out that while many nations experienced severe fuel crises, Pakistan maintained a steady supply by securing oil from multiple international routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, the Red Sea, Fujairah in the UAE, and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. During Eid, tankers were lined up at Pakistani ports, guaranteeing continuous availability.
Tarar explained that Pakistan’s main challenge was not a shortage but rising global oil prices caused by disrupted supply chains due to war. He said the government had acted proactively to avoid a domestic crisis, arranging Rs129 billion through savings and austerity measures, including cuts in official fuel consumption and salaries.
He added that a national effort was coordinated, with federal and provincial governments sharing the burden to protect vulnerable citizens. Transport fares were controlled, public transport was made free in some regions, and targeted subsidies were provided for buses, trucks, and vans.
The minister said that the prime minister holds daily review sessions to monitor ministries’ performance in providing relief.
He said a digital wallet system has been introduced to ensure transparent and direct delivery of subsidies and reaffirmed that the government remains committed to stabilizing the situation and continuing relief efforts both domestically and through international diplomacy.