ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday imposed a complete ban on the use of high-octane fuel in government vehicles, shortly after the announcement of a Rs200 increase in the levy on high-octane fuel.
The decision comes amid government efforts to manage the economic impact of rising global oil prices following the US-Israel war on Iran, which triggered a fuel crisis.
According to an announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier directed the relevant authorities to take action against government officials who use high-octane in their official vehicles.
“If necessary, the officials will have to bear the cost of high-octane fuel from their own pocket,” the announcement quoted PM Shehbaz as saying. He stressed the need for maximum conservation of fuel in view of global oil crisis due to the US-Israel war on Iran, and Iran’s subsequent attacks on United States air bases and other facilities in Gulf States, including their oil refineries.
“The prime minister took notice that the levy on high-octane fuel used in the most expensive vehicles should be increased,” the statement had said.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that in the evolving regional situation, economic policies must prioritise public relief and directed that the burden of petroleum price increases should be minimised to provide maximum possible relief to citizens.
He held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik at Bhutto House in Naudero (Larkana) to review the country’s law and order situation, economic indicators, and challenges facing the energy sector.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, PPP Women Wing President Faryal Talpur, and Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah were also present.
President Asif Ali Zardari stressed strengthening border security, easing economic pressures and ensuring policies that reduce the burden on the common man. The meeting discussed internal security, the broader economic situation, and developments in the energy sector, with particular focus on the impact of petroleum prices on the public.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the president on ongoing counterterrorism operations and border security, including a detailed review of tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and emerging regional security challenges.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik apprised the meeting of key economic indicators and outlined government measures in response to rising energy costs and petroleum prices.
Separately, Ameer Bakhsh Khan Bhutto, son of former Sindh Chief Minister Mumtaz Bhutto, arrived at Bhutto House in Naudero to meet President Asif Zardari, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PPP Woman Wing Central President Faryal Talpur on Eid.
On this occasion, he extended Eid greetings to the PPP leadership and invited President Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Dahisar House, which Asif Ali Zardari accepted. Asif Ali Zardari will go to Dahisar House on Tuesday (today).
