FAISALABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah says uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country was ensured despite severe global disruptions caused by escalating regional conflict and closure of key international supply routes.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said the entire world was currently facing an unprecedented energy crisis. “The situation worsened after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which affected global supply chains and lead to shortages in several countries.”

In some countries, he said, fuel was not available at all, while in neighbouring states the situation deteriorated to the extent that army had to be deployed at petrol pumps. However, Pakistan has avoided such a crisis, he added.

He said the government significantly curtailed its expenditures including cut in cabinet members salaries and grounding of 60pc of official vehicles.

He said that approximately Rs129 billion were allocated to provide a blanket subsidy on petroleum products for three weeks to shield the public from the initial surge in prices.

He said that the government initially expected the conflict to subside within a few weeks, but as the situation prolonged, the policy was revised and targeted subsidies were introduced to provide relief to vulnerable segments of society. He said the transport sector was also being facilitated to prevent a steep increase in fares. Passenger buses were being given up to Rs100,000 per month while other transporters were receiving Rs70,000 to Rs80,000 in subsidies. Similarly, public transport had been made free in Punjab and Islamabad to further ease burden on the commuters, he added.

Rana Sanaullah said that the government was operating under an agreement with the IMF. Therefore, major financial decisions required consultation with the global lender. However, whenever fiscal space was available, immediate relief was passed on to the public, he said, citing the recent reduction of Rs80 per litre in petrol prices as a key example.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026