'Will petrol be available in December?': Senate echoes with shortage concerns even as state minister says no supply issues

The Senate heard concerns on Friday about potential petrol shortages in December, even though Finance and Revenue Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani stated there were no supply issues. PPP's Sherry Rehman questioned whether petrol would be available for the month, warning of a bleak situation amid increasing Middle East tensions. Kayani mentioned that more than 10 million people benefited from the government's targeted fuel subsidy scheme, with Rs1,676 billion budgeted under the petroleum levy for the year. He explained that the subsidy was provided at petrol pumps and there was no fuel supply problem.

However, Rehman demanded that the government brief Parliament on any rationing and contingency plans, citing reports of renewed attacks on Iran and escalating conflict in West Asia. She highlighted Pakistan's reliance on imports for nearly 70% of its LPG requirements, while domestic production accounts for only 30%. With only two LPG cargoes expected this year compared to five last year, she demanded a supply plan be presented to Parliament.

Rehman, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, accused the government of not spending the carbon levy on environmental protection. She revealed that the levy was being absorbed into general federal receipts instead of being earmarked for climate action, despite severe floods in all provinces. She also called for restructuring the levy as a carbon tax that is ring-fenced for mitigation and climate action.

Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas warned that a war involving key energy routes could worsen Pakistan's energy crisis, as key maritime chokepoints face threats. He linked the external crisis to domestic shortages, mentioning Punjab's flour shortage and the LPG shortage. Abbas questioned why politicians were ignoring real issues and focusing on provincial conquests, referring to the imposition of governor's rule and emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He also touched upon the conflict between Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia, calling for mediation between the two sides.