ISLAMABAD: The government has assured the public that the supply of petroleum products in the country is continuing as usual and the existing reserves are sufficient to meet the country’s needs. Officials have clarified that there is no fear of fuel shortage in any area; however, action will be taken against those who create artificial crises.
This assurance was given at a meeting of the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC), where a detailed review of the availability, demand and supply of petrol and diesel across the country was taken. Representatives of OGRA, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Oil Companies Advisory Council and other relevant institutions attended the meeting.
Officials informed the meeting that the reserves available in oil depots and the market are as usual, and the supply system is stable in view of the current consumption. The briefing said that fuel supply to different parts of the country is continuing without any interruption, and more supply is also available as per the requirement.
The meeting also considered that the sale of petroleum products in the first two weeks of July was higher than usual. According to officials, speculation about possible price changes led to additional buying at some places, which temporarily increased demand.
The council directed that OGRA should make market surveillance more effective and keep a constant watch on the supply system so that artificial shortages are not created at any stage. Along with this, provincial governments were also directed to take strict action against hoarding and illegal profiteering.
The meeting emphasised that the supply of petroleum products to the public should continue at all costs and any disruption in the supply chain should be removed immediately. Officials said that the relevant agencies are constantly monitoring the situation,situation, and timely steps will be taken if necessary to maintain fuel availability across the country.
Government officials once again clarified on this occasion that the existing reserves are sufficient to meet the domestic demand, and citizens should rely only on authentic official information instead of paying attention to rumoursill be taken as per the law against any attempt to create artificial shortages or hoarding.
