Senate panel told: POL products’ prices may go up

ISLAMABAD: In view of the prevailing situation in Iran, petroleum prices are expected to increase in the near future, and if the situation does not stabilize, there may be a risk of fuel shortages in the region.

This was shared by the Secretary, Petroleum Division, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution.

The members present unanimously nominated Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro to preside over the proceedings. The meeting was attended by Senators Sardar Al-Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, and Poonjo Bheel. Senator Jan Mohammad Buledi attended the meeting as a Special Invitee.

The Secretary of the Petroleum Division informed the panel that, in view of the prevailing situation in Iran, petroleum prices are expected to increase in the near future. He further cautioned that if the situation does not stabilize, there may be a risk of fuel shortages in the region.

READ MORE: Prices of petrol diesel hiked

During the discussion on the Thar Coal Project, Senator Poonjo Bheel stated that an agreement had been signed with the residents of Islamkot for the provision of 300 units of electricity free of charge; however, the inhabitants were reportedly receiving electricity bills regularly. The concerned authorities clarified that the government had approved 100 free units per month for 4,688 consumers in the respective area.

The Special Secretary, Ministry of Energy (Power Division), while briefing the Committee on the functions of power sector entities, stated that assets established through funding by the government are owned by the Federal Government, whereas power infrastructure established by provincial governments is owned by the respective provinces. He added that provinces may sell electricity generated from their infrastructure at rates determined by them.

Ghumro observed that the nation continues to suffer due to the nature of contracts signed with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He emphasized the need to shift greater operational responsibility to the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), enabling them to manage their affairs independently. He noted that such decentralization would limit the Federal Government’s burden and strengthen enforcement of rules at the distribution level.

The Special Secretary, Establishment Division, informed the Committee that each Ministry maintains a quota roster, and in cases where a provincial quota is not filled, it is generally carried forward to the following year. She also offered details to the Committee regarding the distribution of human resources under the Federal Quota System.

Ghumro expressed concern over the low representation of Balochistan in posts at the Federal Secretariat. He directed that the quotas of Balochistan and Sindh be fulfilled on priority, noting that both provinces have historically remained deprived of their rightful share in federal employment.

He further directed the Establishment Division to issue a letter to all Ministries, Divisions, and Autonomous Corporations to ensure that provincial quotas are filled without delay, and to share a copy of the said letter with the Committee. The chair directed to carry out the provision of the rightful share to the provinces and not the quota, which sounds like a favour.

The Committee also deliberated upon the issue of appointments made on fake domiciles and directed the relevant authorities to verify the domiciles of all serving employees at the federal level.

The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the provision of incomplete information and directed the concerned authorities to present province-wise details of employees and budget allocations in the next meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026