Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered strict action against petroleum smuggling and illegal hoarding, as he chaired a high-level meeting to review the fuel supply chain and assess ongoing austerity measures.

The meeting reviewed petroleum supply, conservation efforts, and relief measures for low-income groups in light of the evolving regional situation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister directed relevant ministries to finalise proposals, in consultation with provinces, to strengthen supply management and ensure continued relief for the public.

Emphasising enforcement, he instructed authorities to take tough action against fuel smuggling and hoarding to stabilise the market and protect consumers.

The prime minister said the government had taken key steps over the past three weeks to support vulnerable segments and would continue efforts to shield the poor from economic pressures.

He noted that reductions in the development budget, along with austerity and savings measures, had enabled the government to provide relief worth Rs129 billion by preventing an increase in petroleum prices.

Timely decisions by the government ensured sufficient availability of petroleum products to meet domestic demand, he added.

“Our foremost priority is to provide relief to the people,” the prime minister reiterated.

Officials briefing the meeting said demand and supply of petroleum products were being monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and uninterrupted availability across the country.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Ahad Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Adviser Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, and other senior officials.