ISLAMABAD: In an effort to shield ordinary citizens from rising fuel costs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the government had provided Rs129 billion in relief to prevent an increase in oil prices, funding the measures through development budget cuts, efficiency improvements, and conservation initiatives.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on the implementation of measures for the supply chain, conservation, and rational use of petroleum products amid Middle East crises, Sharif said offering relief to the masses remained the “topmost priority” of his administration.
The meeting reviewed initiatives aimed at supporting low-income groups in light of the current economic and energy situation.
The prime minister directed relevant ministries to submit final proposals on relief measures for low-income groups and the rational use of petroleum products, following consultations with provincial governments.
He also called for strict action against smuggling and the illegal hoarding of petroleum products, warning that such practices not only drive up prices but also undermine the government’s efforts to ensure a steady supply for ordinary consumers.
Sharif noted that over the past three weeks, the federal government had taken “significant measures” to ease the burden on low-income groups, emphasising that efforts to support vulnerable citizens would continue.
As a result of timely government decisions, he added, adequate quantities of petroleum products were available to meet national demand.
Officials briefed the meeting on progress in implementing conservation and efficiency measures, noting that the demand, supply, and entire supply chain of petroleum products were being closely monitored through a digital dashboard.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting AttaullahTarar, Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, Federal Minister for IT Shiza Fatima, Minister of Power Division Awais Leghari, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Adviser to the PM on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Kiani, and other senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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