ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday confirmed it holds adequate petroleum reserves and is preparing targeted relief measures for consumers, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assessed the impact of the ongoing Gulf crisis on energy supplies.
Sharif chaired a meeting on Monday to review the situation in the Middle East, its impact on international oil prices, and the availability of sufficient fuel stocks in the country to maintain the energy supply chain.
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
The Prime Minister’s office said Sharif told the participants of the meeting that the government remains committed to supporting low- and middle-income groups.
“Economically vulnerable citizens would not be left alone in the current challenging environment shaped by global market volatility,” he added.
Officials briefed the meeting that the country currently has sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet domestic demand. The arrangements are in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply in the coming weeks, they told the Prime Minister.
The meeting under the PM was told that timely policy decisions have prevented any disruption in fuel availability despite international pressures.
PM Shehbaz considered proposals for a targeted subsidy programme, particularly aimed at motorcycle and rickshaw owners.
Small and micro consumers of vehicle fuel are among the most affected by rising fuel costs.
Pakistan’s federal authorities are working with provincial governments to expedite the registration of such vehicles to enable efficient delivery of relief through a digital system.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures. pic.twitter.com/7DAbbqqa8X
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 30, 2026
Savings generated through austerity measures are being redirected towards public relief, said the Prime Minister. The government had rejected multiple proposals to increase fuel prices further and instead opted to create fiscal space through expenditure cuts.
The government has reduced its current spending, rationalised development allocations, and withdrawn around 60 per cent of official vehicles from use as part of an ongoing savings and simplicity campaign.
The meeting reviewed a progress report on the implementation of fuel conservation measures and future policy options.
Officials presented an audit report on the enforcement of the government’s austerity and fuel-saving initiatives, indicating progress in compliance across departments.
An increase in levy on high-octane fuel, typically used by luxury vehicles, has not affected jet fuel prices, the official said during the meeting.
Separately, the meeting was told that the country maintains sufficient stocks of essential medicines to meet national needs.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan is actively engaged on the diplomatic front to promote regional peace, noting that stability remains critical for economic resilience.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with federal ministers, advisers, and senior officials.
