PM Shehbaz reviews petroleum supply chain, orders steps to ensure relief for low-income groups

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting to examine the country’s petroleum supply chain and evaluate ongoing austerity and conservation efforts in light of regional developments.

Chairing a review meeting in Islamabad today regarding the petroleum products supply chain and austerity measures in light of the current regional situation, he urged authorities to finalize plans that would provide additional relief to low-income families.

During the meeting, the prime minister instructed the relevant ministries to prepare final recommendations after consulting provincial governments, with the goal of improving supply management and sustaining public relief amid global uncertainties, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

He emphasized strict enforcement against petroleum smuggling and illegal hoarding, warning that such measures are crucial to maintaining market stability and protecting consumers.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that the government has already taken substantial steps over the past three weeks to support vulnerable groups and remains committed to shielding the poor from economic strain.

The premier also noted that, through cuts in the development budget and implementation of austerity and savings measures, the federal government has provided Rs129 billion in relief by preventing a rise in petroleum prices.

He added that timely government interventions have ensured adequate domestic supply of petroleum products.

“Our priority is always the welfare of the people,” the prime minister affirmed.

Officials attending the briefing shared that austerity measures are progressing steadily and that the demand and supply of petroleum products across the country are being continuously tracked through a digital dashboard to ensure uninterrupted availability and transparency in the supply chain.

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 IT 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, along with senior officials from key departments.