Prime Minister asks Ali Pervaiz Malik to negotiate with Karachi refineries and secure immediate relief for consumers.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to immediately travel to Karachi and negotiate with oil refineries to secure a reduction in the price of locally produced diesel.
The prime minister issued the directive during a meeting with the petroleum minister, as the government seeks to provide immediate relief to consumers facing high fuel costs.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik and MNA Hamza Shehbaz also attended the meeting.
PM seeks immediate reduction in diesel prices
Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed the petroleum minister to take all necessary measures to bring down the prices of locally produced diesel through negotiations with oil refineries.
He emphasised that a significant proportion of the country’s diesel is produced domestically and called for direct engagement with refineries to achieve a reduction in prices.
“Most of the diesel is produced locally by oil refineries. The petroleum minister should personally complete negotiations with the refineries at the earliest to secure a reduction in prices,” the prime minister said.
He also directed the minister to ensure that maximum possible immediate relief was provided to consumers.
Petroleum minister to negotiate with refineries
Under the prime minister’s instructions, Ali Pervaiz Malik will personally lead negotiations with oil refineries in Karachi.
The discussions are aimed at identifying measures that could lower the price of locally produced diesel and reduce the financial burden on consumers.
The directive comes amid continued concern over elevated petroleum prices and their impact on transport, agriculture and the broader cost of living.
The government is therefore seeking to secure a reduction at the refinery level that could translate into lower prices for consumers.
Government focuses on fuel price relief
The prime minister’s intervention highlights the government’s efforts to contain fuel costs and provide relief to the public.
The petroleum minister has been directed to complete the negotiations at the earliest and pursue all possible measures to reduce locally produced diesel prices.
Any reduction secured through the talks could potentially provide relief to consumers and businesses that rely heavily on diesel, particularly the transport and agricultural sectors.