Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated on Sunday that the federal government is deploying all available resources to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country. Speaking to the media in Lahore, the minister addressed growing public concerns regarding potential shortages, asserting that petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas remain easily accessible in all cities and towns. According to a report by state-run Radio Pakistan, Aurangzeb emphasized that a rigorous monitoring mechanism has been established to oversee the energy supply chain and prevent any artificial scarcity during this period of heightened regional sensitivity.
The minister revealed that the government has taken a significant fiscal hit to shield the public from the full impact of surging global oil prices. To date, the national exchequer has absorbed a financial burden of approximately 69 billion rupees. This massive subsidy was implemented to maintain petroleum prices at the minimum possible level, effectively insulating domestic consumers from the immediate fallout of the volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Aurangzeb noted that while international market pressures are immense, the administration’s priority remains the protection of the common man’s purchasing power during these uncertain times.
Acknowledging the broader risks posed by ongoing regional conflicts, the Finance Minister cautioned that prolonged tensions could eventually affect global energy infrastructure. However, based on current projections and strategic reserves, he expressed confidence that the domestic supply situation is expected to remain stable at least until next month. This window provides the government with the necessary time to refine its long-term energy security strategy while monitoring the unfolding military and diplomatic developments involving major oil-producing nations.
In a move toward more sustainable fiscal management, Aurangzeb announced that a coordinated strategy is being finalized to transition from blanket subsidies to a targeted relief package. This initiative involves a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Petroleum, Information Technology, and Finance. The goal is to develop a data-driven framework that ensures future financial support is directed exclusively toward the most deserving and vulnerable segments of society. By utilizing digital identification and financial tracking, the government aims to reduce wasteful spending while maintaining a robust safety net for those hit hardest by inflation.
Beyond immediate energy concerns, the Finance Minister confirmed that the government is actively assessing how the current global economic climate might influence broader trade and investment flows. As supply routes face potential disruptions, the economic team is looking for ways to safeguard Pakistan’s export sectors and maintain the interest of foreign investors. This proactive approach is intended to ensure that the country’s mid-term growth targets remain achievable despite the external shocks currently rippling through the international financial system.
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