The decision was taken during a high-level cabinet meeting. The approved amount will be used under the Prime Minister’s Austerity Fund to manage rising pressure on fuel prices.
Officials said the government will arrange this amount through the Public Sector Development Program. Funds will be collected by adjusting budgets and surrendering unused allocations from different ministries. This step is designed to avoid disruption in ongoing development projects.
The move comes at a time when tensions in the Gulf region are creating uncertainty in global oil markets. Any sharp increase in international oil prices could directly affect petrol and diesel rates in Pakistan, which is why the government has acted early.
In another important decision, the Economic Coordination Committee approved the purchase of up to 1 million metric tons of wheat under the Interim National Wheat Policy 2025-26.
Officials said the wheat will be bought through a transparent private-sector process. The aim is to strengthen national reserves and keep prices stable in the local market. The government also plans to remain flexible and adjust purchases based on crop output, market trends, and storage capacity.
The meeting included key federal ministers and senior officials who joined to finalize these decisions.
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This move shows the govt is trying to control inflation before it rises. Fuel prices affect everything, so early action can help. But global oil changes are still a big risk.
