Islamabad: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has highlighted the government's focus on ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability, enhancing transparency, and safeguarding consumer rights as top priorities. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices in Islamabad, addressing the petroleum supply situation and market conditions following a recent price adjustment.

According to Radio Pakistan, Aurangzeb emphasized that maintaining market stability necessitates proactive coordination, effective monitoring, and consistent enforcement. The committee decided to deploy joint teams from the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to selected PSO petrol pumps in Islamabad. These teams will support timely data entry, improve stock transparency, and ensure operational compliance.

The meeting aimed at ensuring supply continuity, maintaining market discipline, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms across the supply chain. The Committee conducted a comprehensive review of petroleum stock positions, import plans, and refinery operations. It was reported that the overall supply position remains stable, with diesel stocks covering approximately 25 days, petrol availability meeting current demand, and crude oil stocks sufficient for around 12 days, supported by incoming cargoes and scheduled imports.

The Petroleum Division informed the Committee that import arrangements for the coming weeks are on track, involving commercial procurement and government-to-government engagements. Refineries continue to operate at optimal levels to maintain throughput and ensure efficient conversion of crude into refined products. The Committee emphasized the need for continued vigilance across the supply chain to prevent hoarding, speculative behavior, and disruptions in product availability.

The Committee also reviewed the gas supply situation, including stock positions of SNGPL and SSGC, and discussed strategies for managing gas availability for domestic consumers and its allocation between domestic and power sectors. The Minister stressed the importance of timely data integration and directed stakeholders to ensure prompt and accurate information sharing to support effective dashboard utilization for decision-making.

OGRA was instructed to ensure compliance with data reporting requirements, accelerate digitization efforts across the supply chain, and maintain close coordination with Oil Marketing Companies and other relevant stakeholders. In this context, PSO will enhance visibility across its retail network and prioritize strengthening its reporting coverage.