LAHORE: The government has urged citizens to actively engage in fuel conservation efforts in response to the evolving global situation that has impacted fuel prices and availability. This appeal was made during a news conference held in Lahore, where Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik outlined the need for public participation in implementing austerity measures.

According to Radio Pakistan, the ministers emphasized actions such as avoiding unnecessary travel, promoting carpooling, facilitating work-from-home arrangements, and adopting e-learning in educational institutions as ways to conserve fuel. Minister Malik elaborated on the importance of these measures, noting that the savings from reduced fuel consumption could help manage fuel imports and redirect funds towards aiding the underprivileged.

Minister Malik further assured that oil refineries have been instructed to maintain their crude oil purchases despite rising costs, ensuring a steady supply within the country. He also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in securing oil supplies from key international partners, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Minister Tarar noted that due to proactive government measures, adequate oil reserves are available in Pakistan. However, he stressed the importance of continued vigilance in fuel usage, given the current global oil price of $158 per barrel. The government is committed to mitigating the financial impact of these surging prices on the public.