Senate Raises Alarm Over December Petrol Supply Amid Regional Tensions

ISLAMABAD: The Senate expressed growing concerns over the availability of petrol for December on Friday, as PPP Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the government’s assurances amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas warned of a potentially dire situation for consumers if supply issues arise.

Despite these concerns, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani reassured the Senate that there are currently no supply issues. He highlighted that over 10 million citizens are benefiting from the government’s targeted fuel subsidy scheme, with a budget of Rs1,676 billion allocated under the petroleum levy for the current fiscal year. Kayani emphasized that the subsidy is being effectively provided at petrol stations and that the government is actively addressing the impact of regional conflicts on fuel prices.

The implications of these statements are significant for citizens, particularly as the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on motorcyclists, rickshaw and loader operators, and small car users. Last week, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also confirmed that Pakistan has secured enough energy supplies to last through November, indicating a proactive approach to managing fuel availability.

Looking ahead, the government is expected to monitor the situation closely, especially as regional tensions could affect future fuel prices and availability. Further discussions in the Senate may be necessary to address any emerging concerns as December approaches.