The Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Monday reassured the public that Pakistan’s energy supplies remain stable despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in key global shipping routes. Officials confirmed that national petroleum stocks are at comfortable levels, and there is no immediate risk of supply disruption.
A high-level Cabinet Committee, formed by the Prime Minister to monitor fuel prices, convened under the Finance Minister’s leadership at the Finance Division to review domestic and international energy developments. Members assessed trends in forward and futures prices, analyzed the resilience of regional and international supply chains, and evaluated potential foreign exchange impacts arising from market volatility. The fiscal implications of a prolonged regional conflict were also discussed.
The meeting included a detailed review of global oil markets, covering benchmark price movements, shipping and insurance costs, alternative sourcing options, and contingency planning under various supply and pricing scenarios. The Finance Minister highlighted that while Pakistan’s energy reserves are sufficient, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and tensions around the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb continue to pose significant risks to global energy security, which could affect domestic supplies if the situation persists.
The committee will function as a strategic oversight forum, monitoring developments daily and coordinating with all relevant entities. Authorities were directed to validate stock levels, track shipments closely, manage storage efficiently, and remain prepared for any emergency situations. Any price adjustments resulting from international market changes will be implemented transparently and predictably to maintain market confidence.
The session also reviewed LNG and LPG supply positions, shipment schedules, terminal operations, and line-pack management. Ministries were tasked with refining scenario analyses, considering economic and fiscal trade-offs of alternative fuel use and demand management strategies.
To strengthen readiness, the committee decided to meet daily, consolidating key data to ensure real-time monitoring of global prices, domestic stocks, foreign exchange exposure, and the overall energy supply chain.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Power Mr. Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Mr. Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with federal secretaries and senior officials from relevant ministries, divisions, and regulatory bodies.
