PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on petrol pumps over fuel price relief failure
He directed the petroleum ministry to take strict action against operators who fail to reduce prices after government announcements.
Petrol pumps face strict action
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said the government had received complaints that some petrol pumps were not passing on fuel price reductions to customers. He instructed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to take action against those responsible.
The prime minister warned that petrol pump operators violating the rules would face strict consequences. He said no one would be allowed to deny consumers the relief announced by the government.
Government prevents Rs15 petrol price hike
Shehbaz Sharif also revealed that petrol prices were expected to increase by Rs15 per litre on Friday. However, he said timely government decisions had prevented the proposed increase.
The government is facing pressure to ensure that people receive the full benefit of fuel price reductions. The latest instructions aim to stop petrol pump operators from keeping the financial benefit instead of passing it on to customers.
LPG imports planned to provide relief
The prime minister also announced plans to increase imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to improve supplies and reduce pressure on consumers. He said the government would ensure better availability of LPG in the country.
Shehbaz Sharif declared that the era of the LPG mafia was over. His announcement signals plans for stronger government control over LPG supplies and action against those involved in unfair practices.
Rs160 billion package for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
During the meeting, the prime minister also discussed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He said maintaining security in the province remained the government's first, second and third priority.
Shehbaz Sharif further announced that a Rs160 billion development and support package for KP had been finalised a day earlier. The package is intended to support development and provide assistance to the province.
The government's action against petrol pumps aims to ensure that fuel price reductions reach ordinary consumers. Strict monitoring and enforcement will be important to make this relief effective.
Increased LPG imports could also improve supplies and help control market pressure. However, the actual benefit will depend on how quickly these measures are implemented.
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