Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has urged the public to reduce fuel consumption, saying the government cannot control rising international oil prices and that lower demand is the only way to limit the impact of global market volatility.

Speaking during a private channel programme, Malik said Pakistan currently has adequate petroleum reserves. He said oil marketing companies are required under their licensing conditions to maintain fuel stocks for at least 20 days, while local refineries currently hold crude oil inventories sufficient for five to seven days.

The minister said international developments continue to put pressure on global oil markets, including United States President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 20 percent fee on ships carrying Iranian oil.

He also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, though Pakistan continues to receive petroleum supplies through Fujairah and other routes.

Malik said the petroleum levy is currently lower than it was before the recent regional conflict. He called on both the government and the public to support energy conservation efforts, saying fuel conservation was necessary to manage rising energy costs.

The minister urged authorities to adopt austerity measures and encouraged consumers to reduce unnecessary fuel use to help limit the impact of higher global oil prices.