Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to immediately travel to Karachi and negotiate with local oil refineries to secure relief for consumers through lower diesel prices.

The prime minister issued the instructions during a meeting with the petroleum minister on Wednesday. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, and National Assembly member Hamza Shehbaz also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the petroleum minister to reach Karachi without delay and hold negotiations with local refineries over reducing the price of domestically produced diesel.

He noted that a major share of diesel consumed in the country is produced by local refineries, stressing that efforts to reduce its price should therefore be pursued directly with refinery operators.

The prime minister instructed the petroleum minister to complete the negotiations as soon as possible and ensure that maximum possible relief reaches the public immediately.

The directive comes as the government moves to explore measures that could reduce fuel costs for consumers through locally produced diesel.