Key Takeaways
- PPP’s Sherry Rehman questioned petrol supply for December in the Senate.
- Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani assured no supply issues but acknowledged regional conflicts impact.
- Rehman demanded a supply plan and warned of LPG shortages affecting Pakistan.
The Senate in Islamabad echoed concerns over the availability of petrol in December, despite assurances from the government. Senator Sherry Rehman of the PPP questioned the government's plans, stating, 'What is the government's plan for the availability of petroleum products? Will there be rationing?'
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani responded that there were no supply issues, adding that over 10 million people were benefiting from the government’s targeted fuel subsidy scheme, and Rs1,676 billion had been budgeted under the petroleum levy for the current year.
Kayani also highlighted that the government was providing targeted relief to motorcyclists, rickshaw and loader operators, and users of small cars, but acknowledged the impact of regional conflicts on petroleum prices, which were being felt across countries.
Rehman’s concerns were heightened by reports of renewed attacks on Iran and escalating conflict in West Asia, which she said added to uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s petroleum supplies and had direct implications for the country’s energy security and economic stability.
She warned that any disruption in the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) would have a serious impact across the country, pointing out that Pakistan relied on imports for nearly 70 per cent of its LPG requirements while domestic production accounted for only 30 per cent.
Rehman also criticized the government’s handling of the carbon levy, claiming it was not being spent on environmental protection. She alleged that the carbon levy was being absorbed into general federal receipts instead of being earmarked for climate resilience, despite severe floods facing all provinces.
The Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, had previously stated that Pakistan had procured enough energy supplies to last through November. However, Rehman’s questions highlighted ongoing concerns about December’s supply, with members of Parliament expressing worries about petrol availability.
Kayani assured that the government was working on contingency plans, but Rehman demanded a detailed presentation to Parliament on any such plans. She concluded by saying, 'These are not minor concerns.'
What is the government's plan for the availability of petroleum products? Will there be rationing?
Sherry Rehman, PPP Senator
The carbon levy is not being spent on environmental projects. A levy is not a tax; it goes straight into the Federal Consolidated Fund where there is no ring-fencing for spending on climate action.
Sherry Rehman, PPP Senator
