'Will petrol be available in December?': Senate echoes with shortage concerns even as minister says no supply issues
ISLAMABAD: The Senate echoed with fuel supply concerns on Friday as PPP’s Sherry Rehman questioned petrol availability for December and Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas warned of a bleak situation amid heightening Middle East tensions. The concerns were raised even after Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani said that there were no supply issues. He told the Senate during…
The Senate's concerns regarding potential fuel shortages in December were echoed on Friday, even though Finance Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani insisted there were no supply issues. Despite the government budgeting Rs1,676 billion for the current year's petroleum levy, which has provided over 10 million people with targeted fuel subsidies, PPP's Sherry Rehman demanded a briefing on any rationing plans.
Reports of renewed attacks on Iran and heightened conflict in West Asia added to the uncertainty over Pakistan's petroleum supplies and energy security. The senator also highlighted that Pakistan relies on imports for 70% of its LPG requirements, with only two cargoes expected this year compared to five last year. The PPP senator, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, criticized the government for not spending the carbon levy on environmental protection, instead funneling the revenue into the Federal Consolidated Fund.
PPP Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas warned that a war affecting key energy routes could exacerbate Pakistan's energy crisis, as key maritime chokepoints face threats. The senator connected the external crisis to domestic shortages, pointing out Punjab's flour shortage and LPG scarcity.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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