Govt handled petroleum crisis responsibly: Saira Afzal Tarar

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Saira Shara Afzal Tarar Tuesday said the government demonstrated responsibility and commitment in handling the recent petroleum crisis despite difficult economic conditions and global challenges

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Apr, 2026) Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Saira Shara Afzal Tarar Tuesday said the government demonstrated responsibility and commitment in handling the recent petroleum crisis despite difficult economic conditions and global challenges.

Speaking in the National Assembly, she said the prime minister and his cabinet, including ministers directly and indirectly involved in managing the fuel crisis, worked tirelessly and deserved appreciation for their efforts.

She acknowledged that inflation remains a major issue for the public but urged a broader perspective, noting that conditions in some countries are far worse, with severe shortages of food and energy.

Responding to criticism over fuel price hikes, Tarar said the increase was driven by unprecedented global factors.

She explained that the premium on refining crude oil had surged to over $60, a level never seen before, making price adjustments unavoidable.

Recalling the day when fuel prices were raised by Rs55, she said long queues formed at petrol pumps, with many outlets rationing fuel.

She described the decision as difficult but necessary to ensure continued supply and prevent panic shortages.

She further clarified that the government increased prices despite existing stock at petrol pumps to maintain supply continuity and avoid market disruption.

The minister said the government also reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 to provide relief, particularly under constraints linked to international financial commitments, including programmes with global lenders.

She added that some decisions were taken collectively at the federal level, with participation from provincial leadership, including the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Highlighting agricultural concerns, Tarar said farmers, particularly in Hafizabad, suffered losses due to adverse weather, including rain and hailstorms that damaged around 25 percent of the wheat crop.

She added that many farmers had shifted to alternative crops like watermelon due to poor wheat prices last season, but they too faced losses.

She urged the government to extend further relief to farmers, including rescheduling agricultural loans taken from Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, especially for those owning more than 25 acres who are also facing financial pressure.

She also called for ensuring that relief provided to public transport is effectively passed on to the general public, and that the private transport sector is also regulated to deliver benefits to ordinary citizens.

APP/zah-sra