*Government Tightens Fuel Market Oversight After Price Hike, Ensures Stable Supply and Crackdown on Hoarding*

*Islamabad, April 6, 2026* — The Cabinet Committee on Petroleum Prices, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, convened on Monday to review the country’s fuel supply situation and market conditions following the recent price adjustment.

 

The committee expressed satisfaction over the overall stability of petroleum supplies. Officials informed the meeting that diesel stocks currently provide around 25 days of cover, petrol supplies are sufficient to meet existing demand, and crude oil reserves stand at approximately 12 days, supported by scheduled imports and incoming shipments.

 

The Petroleum Division briefed participants that import plans are proceeding smoothly through both commercial procurement and government-to-government arrangements. Meanwhile, local refineries continue to operate at optimal levels to ensure efficient processing of crude oil into refined products.

 

Emphasizing the importance of energy security, the committee noted that uninterrupted fuel supply is essential for key sectors such as agriculture, transportation, fertilizer production, and industry, all of which play a critical role in sustaining economic activity and controlling inflation.

 

In light of recent price changes, the committee directed authorities to remain vigilant against hoarding, speculative practices, and supply disruptions. It stressed strict monitoring of demand patterns, particularly regional variations, to maintain a balanced supply chain. Authorities were also instructed to curb unauthorized storage and address market irregularities within the legal framework.

 

The meeting also reviewed the gas supply situation, including stock levels of SNGPL and SSGC. Members discussed strategies to ensure efficient allocation between domestic consumers and the power sector, especially amid seasonal demand fluctuations and increasing reliance on LPG.

 

A key focus of the meeting was the strengthening of monitoring systems through the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (OGRA) digital dashboard. The platform is designed to provide real-time data on stock levels, sales, and supply conditions across the country. However, the committee noted that data reporting from retail outlets remains below expectations, despite the presence of over 12,000 petrol pumps nationwide.

 

The Finance Minister directed all stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate data sharing to enhance the dashboard’s effectiveness. OGRA was instructed to enforce compliance, accelerate digitization, and coordinate closely with oil marketing companies. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) was specifically tasked with improving reporting coverage across its retail network.

 

To strengthen implementation, the committee decided to deploy joint teams comprising officials from the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and PSO at selected petrol pumps in Islamabad. These teams will oversee data entry, improve transparency, and ensure operational compliance.

 

Concluding the meeting, Senator Aurangzeb emphasized that maintaining market stability requires proactive coordination, effective monitoring, and strict enforcement. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply, enhancing transparency, and protecting consumers, while also encouraging responsible usage.

 

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain (via video link), Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry (via video link), and Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari (via video link), along with senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.