ISLAMABAD : Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on Thursday categorically stated that there is no shortage of petrol in Pakistan, even as queues for fuel form in a neighboring eastern country and several nations across the region face supply disruptions.
Addressing a press conference, Tarar acknowledged that global petrol prices have risen due to supply lines being affected by ongoing wars. However, he credited the government’s timely intervention—led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—for preventing any shortfall domestically.
“In the current situation, the government has not allowed a shortage of petrol in the country. The Prime Minister took timely notice, so there was no shortage,” Tarar said. He added that while petrol prices have increased, “we all have to be careful in using petrol.”
The Minister highlighted that the Prime Minister cut ministers’ salaries and reduced the number of official vehicles, but refused to let the public face a petrol shortage. “All national leadership, including the four Chief Ministers, were gathered yesterday. They were told that it has now become difficult for the government to bear the burden of inflation. After consultation, the price of petrol was increased and the subsidy system was clarified,” he explained.
Tarar also announced that subsidies for public transport and goods vehicles would bring greater relief to the public. “The Prime Minister has said that he will not sit with China until the people feel safe,” Tarar stated, adding that a digital wallet system is being arranged for public and goods transport. He noted that the Prime Minister reviews ministers’ performance daily to ensure public relief.
“We will try day and night to protect the people. In these difficult circumstances, we stand with the people. Oil shortage is not our problem—keeping its price stable was the challenge. People had a good Eid because oil prices were not increased,” Tarar said.
Federal Minister Mosaddiq Malik, also present, said the government is working to protect the poor and farmers. “Bus owners are being given subsidies on the condition that fares will not be increased. Goods vehicles are also being subsidized so that essential commodities do not become expensive,” he said.
Malik revealed that Rs 129 billion was reallocated from development projects to provide direct relief to the people. “The Prime Minister reduced petrol prices by Rs 80 to help the middle class. But the people also have to use petrol wisely,” he added.
Both ministers urged citizens to adopt careful fuel consumption habits as global pr
essures persist.
