Islamabad, March 5, 2026 – A high-level meeting of the Committee formed to monitor petrol prices and energy supply in light of the evolving regional situation was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division. The committee was constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to assess developments in the energy sector and ensure national preparedness.
During the meeting, officials conducted a detailed review of petroleum product stock levels across the country. Members were informed that Pakistan currently holds comfortable reserves of key petroleum products, with sufficient coverage available to meet domestic demand. Authorities emphasized that there is no immediate risk of shortages.
However, the committee noted that the global energy landscape remains uncertain due to rising geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, and increasing logistics costs. Officials highlighted that global oil benchmarks, freight rates, and insurance costs have been fluctuating, while congestion risks at key maritime chokepoints could impact supply chains.
Participants also examined different supply and pricing scenarios to ensure stability in domestic energy availability. The committee observed that “war premium” factors and rising competition for oil cargoes in Asian markets could put additional pressure on external accounts if volatility in global energy markets continues.
Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security through diversified sourcing strategies and alternate shipping routes. Diplomatic and commercial engagements are underway with partner countries to secure additional crude oil and refined product supplies through safer logistics corridors and ports.
The committee also reviewed operational measures to reduce shipping delays, including facilitating timely berthing at ports and utilizing national shipping capacity where feasible.
To maintain orderly market conditions, the meeting discussed stricter enforcement against hoarding, illegal storage, diversion of fuel, and cross-border smuggling. Provincial administrations will coordinate closely with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to monitor the supply chain and take action against violations.
Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country. He said the government is managing the situation through daily monitoring, scenario planning, and coordinated decision-making among relevant stakeholders.
The committee also reviewed the supply situation for LNG and LPG, including shipment schedules, terminal operations, and possible contingency plans to manage demand if disruptions persist. Officials discussed potential fuel conservation measures that could be implemented if necessary, drawing on protocols used during previous national emergencies.
It was decided that the committee will finalize its recommendations and submit a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by Friday. The plan will include proposals related to supply assurance, enforcement mechanisms, pricing governance, and possible conservation strategies.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Jameel Ahmad, along with senior federal and provincial officials and representatives of relevant regulatory bodies.