Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday took notice of fuel crisis and ordered the petroleum ministry and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to fix the problem in 72 hours.

Motorists are grappling with such a grave shortage at a time when they get little relief from restrictions in wake of COVID-19 spread.

Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the premier ordered stern action against the people involved in hoarding and profiteering.

He said: “All companies should have the stock according to licence. They must abide by the rules. Violation won’t be tolerated. Such people will face music and pay heavy fines.”

The cabinet was told that this year stock was set at 850,000 metric tonnes while 650,000 last year. The cabinet directed constituting committees, comprising reps from Ogra, ministry, local admin and FIA, to nab the culprits.

The cabinet made an appeal to the public to point out profiteers so that such criminal could be brought to book.

As per the law, Ogra and the petroleum division officials can inspect stores of the oil companies.

Minister for Energy Omar Ayub said some companies stopped ‘buying petrol after an increase of $12 in the global market’.

Babar Awan bemoaned petroleum product issue questioning as to why such a serious issue remained unnoticed.

“Another crisis has been looming when the country has been fighting deadly coronavirus.

Filling stations has been running short for a few days. Consumers have been complaining about overcharging.