Government Orders Crackdown On Petrol Pump Hoarding

Authorities have directed strict enforcement measures against petrol pumps found involved in hoarding petroleum products or creating artificial fuel shortages as the government seeks to safeguard supply amid rising regional geopolitical tensions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed that any petrol pump or company found stockpiling petroleum products or manipulating supply should face immediate closure, cancellation of operating licences and initiation of legal proceedings under the applicable regulatory framework.

The directive was issued during a meeting chaired by the prime minister in Lahore on Saturday to review Pakistan’s economic situation in light of ongoing global developments.

During the meeting, the prime minister also directed relevant authorities to develop a comprehensive policy focused on austerity measures and fuel conservation strategies, instructing that concrete and implementable proposals be submitted within 48 hours.

Officials informed the meeting that a committee established last week to evaluate the economic implications of recent geopolitical developments has been actively preparing recommendations aimed at ensuring stable availability of petroleum products across the country.

The prime minister further instructed the committee to expedite its work and present practical recommendations designed to minimise pressure on consumers while maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply.

In addition, the premier directed Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance, and Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum, to undertake visits to all four provinces in order to coordinate with provincial governments on a unified strategy to conserve petroleum resources while ensuring consistent supply.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a province-wide enforcement operation targeting hoarders and profiteers allegedly stockpiling petroleum products.

Following her directive, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority was mobilised across the province to monitor petrol pumps and take enforcement action against operators found creating artificial shortages to generate unlawful profits.

Authorities stated that petrol pumps involved in hoarding or profiteering would be sealed and their operating licences revoked as part of the enforcement campaign.

The Punjab government further clarified that sufficient petroleum stocks are available in the province and warned that no individual or business will be permitted to exploit public concerns by spreading panic or manufacturing shortages under the pretext of regional tensions in the Gulf.

Officials also cautioned that strict legal action may be taken against individuals spreading misleading information or rumours regarding fuel shortages.