ISLAMABAD: With the passage of time, the petrol crisis is further deepening and public anger increasing, but the government is optimistic that the crisis would end within a week.
The opposition is also taking the government to task for the petrol shortage as opposition senator Saeed Ghani said that this was the height of incompetence and gross mismanagement by the rulers.
Meanwhile at a meeting chaired by Nawaz Sharif on Monday, the government decided to buy additional petrol to defuse the crisis. “From today we have started buying 15,000 metric tonnes of petrol and in the next 5-6 days it will be much easier to buy petrol,” said Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday showed his “displeasure” over the difficulties being faced by the people due to the non-availability of fuel. The prime minster was chairing a specially convened meeting that reviewed petrol supply situation in the country, at the PM’s House. He was informed that measures are being taken to provide immediate relief to the people, and 15,600 tonnes of petrol was supplied on Monday all over the country against an average daily consumption of 12,000 tonnes. The prime minister was informed that additional supply of petrol would be ensured in the coming month.
Talking about the power situation Nawaz Sharif directed the Ministry of Water and Power to immediately work to reduce line losses and recover outstanding dues of over Rs. 500 billion in order to clear the dues of PSO and other liabilities. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar; Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi; Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif; Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif; water & power secretary, acting secretary petroleum and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
