Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has warned that petrol prices could climb to Rs. 1,000 per litre if Pakistan faces a supply shortage.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, he said petrol is currently available in the country and there is no shortage at present. However, he cautioned that any disruption in supplies could result in a sharp increase in prices.

The minister said global oil prices have surged by around 80 percent, with higher prices being witnessed in Europe and the United States. He added that Pakistan has passed on only about half of the international increase to consumers.

Ali Pervaiz said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken measures to contain the impact of rising oil prices on the public.

On winter gas supplies, he said the government would take steps to prevent shortages, even if gas imports cost $100 million instead of the $3 million currently required.

The minister also said fuel tokens worth Rs. 180 million were issued in a single day. He added that work on oil wells has started and the country could see oil discoveries by October.

Commenting on political criticism, Ali Pervaiz urged Jamaat-e-Islami to avoid using public difficulties for political purposes. He said the party’s delegation had already been briefed about the challenges facing the government.

He also criticized PTI supporters, saying they should not put other people’s children at risk in opposition to the government.

Ali Pervaiz said the government would not allow anyone to march on Islamabad. He said he had no information about the reported detention of Aleema Khan.

The minister added that matters concerning the local government system and the creation of new administrative units would be discussed in the provincial assembly.