Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the availability of petroleum products across the country, along with concerns over hoarding of fuel by certain Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
During the meeting, Cheema said that Pakistan has sufficient stocks of petroleum products and there is no shortage of fuel in the country, offering assurances that fuel supplies would not face any disruption.
He directed all provincial chief secretaries to take immediate and effective action against petrol pumps and OMCs found involved in hoarding fuel or attempting to exploit the prevailing regional situation for undue profiteering.
In response, the chief secretaries told the meeting that their administrations would coordinate closely with OGRA’s (Oil & Gas Regulation Authority) designated officials to curb hoarding and ensure the uninterrupted supply of fuel nationwide.
The minister maintained that the government will not allow any oil marketing company or petrol pump to create an artificial shortage for the sake of profiteering. He noted that while the government has no intention of harassing legitimate businesses, it will not hesitate to take strict legal action against anyone found hoarding, profiteering, or disrupting the supply of essential commodities.
