ISLAMABAD: Amid speculation about potential fuel shortages in the market due to tensions in the Middle East, the Federal Government on Thursday appointed a Grade 22 officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service as the new Secretary of the Petroleum Division. The appointment takes effect immediately.
Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, presently posted, as the Secretary of the National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Division, is transferred and posted as Secretary Petroleum Division.
In another move, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has assured the public that the country currently holds sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet national demand and there is no need for panic buying or hoarding.
In view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, authorities are closely monitoring the petroleum supply chain to ensure the uninterrupted availability of products across the country.
The existing stock position remains comfortable and well within the prescribed requirements.
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It has been emphasized that strict action will be taken against any individual or entity found involved in illegal hoarding or storage of petroleum products at unauthorized locations, particularly at places other than duly licensed oil depots and retail outlets of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Reports have indicated that certain elements may attempt to hoard petroleum products for profiteering during such circumstances. To curb such practices, all Provincial Chief Secretaries have been requested to direct the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to carry out inspections within their respective jurisdictions. Any premises found to be involved in the illegal storage of petroleum products will be sealed, and action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, teams of Ogra are actively monitoring the situation in the field. Inspections are being conducted at oil depots and retail outlets to ensure a smooth supply of petroleum products and to prevent any malpractice.
Meanwhile, the Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) has also written a letter to the Ogra chairman, conveying the body’s concern regarding the product supply commitments made by local refineries during the last product review meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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