Key Takeaways
- PPP’s Sherry Rehman questioned petrol availability for December in the Senate.
- Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani denied supply issues.
- Reports of renewed attacks on Iran and escalating conflict in West Asia added to uncertainty.
The Senate in Islamabad echoed concerns over the availability of petrol in December, with Senator Sherry Rehman of the PPP questioning the government’s plans. Rehman’s queries came during a question hour in the Senate, where she demanded that the government brief Parliament on any contingency plans for fuel supply.
In response, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani assured the Senate that there were no supply issues, stating that more than 10 million people were benefiting from the government’s targeted fuel subsidy scheme. Kayani highlighted that Rs1,676 billion had been budgeted under the petroleum levy for the current year, and that the subsidy was being provided at petrol pumps.
Despite Kayani’s reassurances, Rehman’s concerns were shared by Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas, who warned of a bleak situation amid heightening Middle East tensions. Abbas’s warning underscored the potential impact of regional conflicts on Pakistan’s fuel supplies.
Rehman specifically highlighted the importance of the government’s targeted relief scheme, which benefits motorcyclists, rickshaw and loader operators, and users of small cars. She also expressed concern over the potential rationing of petroleum products, stating, 'Members of Parliament have concerns whether petrol will be available till December.'
The PPP senator, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, also raised issues regarding the carbon levy on petroleum products. She alleged that the carbon levy, which is not being spent on environmental protection, is being absorbed into general federal receipts. Rehman claimed that this practice is in direct contradiction to the government’s claims during a previous Senate session.
Rehman further pointed out that Pakistan relies on imports for nearly 70 per cent of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) requirements, with domestic production accounting for only 30 per cent. She demanded that a supply plan be presented to Parliament, particularly in light of reports of renewed attacks on Iran and escalating conflict in West Asia, which she said added to uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s petroleum supplies.
The government’s response to these concerns was that Pakistan had enough supplies to last through November, but the question of December’s availability remained a point of contention. Kayani stated that the impact of regional conflict on petroleum prices was being felt across countries, but the government was providing targeted relief to various groups.
The concerns raised by the Senate reflect the broader economic and security challenges faced by Pakistan, with fuel supply issues having direct implications for the country’s energy security, economic stability, and the lives of ordinary citizens. The government’s response, while denying supply issues, has not fully allayed the concerns of the opposition and members of Parliament.
What is the government’s plan for the availability of petroleum products? Will there be rationing?
Sherry Rehman, PPP Senator
These are not minor concerns.
Sherry Rehman, PPP Senator
