Senate Body Seeks Fuel Price Relief and Increased Storage Capacity
Published: September 16, 2026 | Time: 10:20 PM
KARACHI (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News) – The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has called for measures to ease public strain in the wake of rising petroleum prices. It also directed relevant authorities to enhance fuel storage capacity to ensure adequate reserves and uninterrupted supplies during emergencies.
Meeting Details
The committee met at the Sindh Secretariat Building, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, where they reviewed regulatory, operational, financial, and policy matters related to the petroleum sector. Senators Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Atta-ur-Rehman, Sarmad Ali, and Syed Waqar Mehdi attended in person, while others participated via video link.
Key Points
- Officials from various organizations, including Petroleum Division, PARCO (Pakistan Refinery Limited), SSGC (Sui Southern Gas Company), SNGPL (Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited), OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority), OGDCL (Oil and Gas Development Company Limited), and PSO (Pakistan State Oil), presented their reports.
- The committee discussed the recent surge in petroleum prices and its impact on consumers, advocating for greater relief and suitable subsidy measures to ease the financial burden of higher fuel costs.
- They also reviewed the recently announced fuel relief mechanism for motorcycles, three-wheelers, and cars with specific engine capacities.
- Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan emphasized the importance of strengthening storage capacity to maintain sufficient reserves and ensure uninterrupted supplies during emergencies. Authorities were directed to explore options for expanding storage facilities and improving emergency preparedness.
- Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi requested details from the Petroleum Division on steps taken to aid consumers amidst challenges, particularly rising fuel prices.
- Senator Atta-ur-Rehman proposed reducing fuel allocations to government offices for a year to discourage excessive consumption and urged departments to cut unnecessary expenses to allocate resources for public relief.
- Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti emphasized protecting consumers from hardships and called for effective regulatory measures to ensure smooth fuel supply across the nation.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with delays in releasing outstanding payments to oil marketing companies and completing formalities by OGRA.