Govt warns of strict action against hoarders of petroleum products

ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik has warned of strict legal action against hoarders of petroleum products in the country.

Talking to media in Islamabad, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that there should be no shortage of petroleum products in the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said hoarders are creating problems for the common people despite the fact that there is a sufficient stock of petrol in the country. Malik said at present, the country has a stock of petrol and diesel for 20 and 29 days respectively.

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The Minister of State asked the petroleum companies to provide petrol to the petrol pumps as the government will not tolerate any hoarding in the country.

Talking about his discussion with Head of Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Abdul Sami Khan today, Dr Musadik Malik said the organization has assured that it will not support hoarders.

He said the law will take its course against petrol hoarders.

Yesterday, the federal government rubbished rumours of petrol and diesel shortage in Pakistan, stating that the oil reserves required by the country were well in stock.

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“Sufficient useable stocks of petroleum products are available in the country to meet needs of petrol [363,085 Metric Ton] for 20 days and diesel [515,687 Metric Ton] for 29 days,” Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

Musadik Malik added that these were the other than cargoes arriving and waiting in the sea for berthing. He also warned the elements involved in hoarding petroleum products and creating artificial fuel shortage of ‘dire consequences.’

The minister was of the view that a few people were involved in creating artificial shortage by dumping petrol and diesel with the hope to sell them in future at exorbitant rate.

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He said the government would ensure the state writ at every cost and hinted licenses of the people [Oil Marketing Companies], who would be found involved in such illegal activities would be revoked. “I request to those hoarding petroleum products to shun this practice and do not challenge writ of the state.”

Musadik Malik said prices of petroleum products were revised by the government as per the scheduled time, international market and rupee-dollar parity.

Responding to a question, the minister said during the ongoing winter season, the incumbent government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ensured better gas management which resulted in better supply to consumers, especially domestic sector as compared to the last 10 years.

Replying to another question, he said an agreement with Russia would hopefully be finalized following which low-cost crude oil will start arriving in Pakistan.