Govt tightens petrol monitoring, ensure availability

April 6, 2026 (MLN): The government has intensified oversight of the petroleum sector following recent price adjustments, emphasizing supply continuity, market discipline, and enhanced monitoring across the supply chain.

A comprehensive review of stock positions, import plans, and refinery operations confirmed that diesel stocks provide around 25 days of cover, petrol supplies are sufficient to meet current demand, and crude oil stocks stand at about 12 days’ cover, supported by incoming cargoes and scheduled imports.

Authorities also highlighted the need to prevent hoarding, speculative behavior, and unauthorized storage, while ensuring efficient allocation of gas and LPG, particularly in view of seasonal demand, according to a press release issued.

Strengthening digital monitoring through OGRA’s dashboard to track real-time stock levels, sales, and supply conditions from depots to retail outlets was a key focus, alongside measures to improve reporting compliance and operational transparency.

The Cabinet Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held the meeting to assess the petroleum supply situation and market conditions.

The Finance Minister directed all stakeholders to ensure prompt data sharing to fully operationalize the dashboard, with OGRA tasked to accelerate digitization and coordinate with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Joint teams comprising officials from the Petroleum Division, OGRA, FIA, and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will be deployed to selected PSO pumps in Islamabad to strengthen reporting, improve stock transparency, and ensure compliance.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain (virtual), Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry (virtual), and Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari (virtual), along with federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory authorities.

The Finance Minister emphasized that maintaining market stability requires proactive coordination, effective monitoring, and consistent enforcement to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability and protect consumers.

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