Govt warns of action against fuel, wheat hoarding amid regional tensions

The federal government has directed authorities to take strict action against the hoarding of petroleum products and wheat, warning that no one will be allowed to exploit the regional situation through artificial shortages or profiteering.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting on Thursday chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema to review the country's fuel and wheat supply situation.

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Chairman Masroor Khan, the chief secretaries of all four provinces and senior officials attended the meeting.

According to an official statement, participants reviewed the availability of petroleum products across the country and assessed reports of possible fuel hoarding by oil marketing companies and petrol pumps.

The federal government sought the cooperation of provincial governments in launching immediate action against any companies or fuel stations found involved in hoarding.

Cheema said strict legal action would be taken against those attempting to create artificial shortages or engage in profiteering by taking advantage of the prevailing regional situation.

He said the country had sufficient petroleum reserves and there was no shortage of fuel.

"Petrol pumps will not be allowed to create artificial shortages for profiteering," the minister said, adding that businesses operating in accordance with the law would not face unnecessary harassment.

The provincial chief secretaries assured the meeting that they would work closely with OGRA to prevent fuel hoarding and ensure uninterrupted supplies throughout the country.

The meeting also reviewed wheat stocks and supply arrangements.

Provincial chief secretaries informed the meeting that wheat supply and demand remained stable across all provinces.

Cheema said the federal government was committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of wheat and that any additional provincial requirements would be met through reserves held by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).

He directed all relevant authorities to take strict action against wheat hoarding, saying protecting consumers and farmers remained the government's top priority.

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain assured the meeting that PASSCO would provide full support to provincial governments to maintain stable wheat supplies and prevent market disruptions.