Islamabad: Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has called on the public to cut back on fuel consumption, saying the government has no control over rising international oil prices and that reduced demand is the only practical way to soften the impact of global market volatility on ordinary consumers.
Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik says Pakistan has sufficient reserves for now, but warns that global market volatility — driven partly by US pressure on Iranian oil shipments and tension in the Strait of Hormuz — is beyond the government’s control.
Speaking on a private television channel, Malik said the situation at home remains manageable for now. Pakistan currently holds adequate petroleum reserves, he said, noting that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are bound under their licensing conditions to maintain at least 20 days’ worth of fuel stocks at all times. He added that local refineries are separately holding crude oil inventories sufficient to sustain operations for five to seven days.
Global Pressures Driving Up Oil Prices
The minister pointed to a string of international developments that continue to weigh on global oil markets. Chief among them is a proposal by US President Donald Trump to impose a 20 percent fee on ships transporting Iranian oil — a move that, if implemented, could further tighten global supply chains and push prices higher.
Malik also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints — is effectively closed. Despite this, he said Pakistan continues to receive uninterrupted petroleum supplies through alternative routes, including via Fujairah in the UAE.
Petroleum Levy Lower Than Pre-Conflict Levels
On the domestic front, Malik noted that the petroleum levy currently in place is lower than it was before the recent regional conflict, framing this as a relief measure amid an otherwise difficult global pricing environment.
He urged both the government and the public to actively support energy conservation efforts, calling on state institutions to adopt austerity measures while encouraging everyday consumers to cut down on unnecessary fuel use. According to the minister, this two-pronged approach — institutional discipline paired with public restraint — is essential to managing rising energy costs in the months ahead.
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