Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik, on Wednesday, said that a scheme for the provision of low-priced petrol to lower-income groups was being worked out and it would be finalised in consultation with all the stakeholders.
The minister while talking to the media, here, said that there were different suggestions under consideration including the utilisation of BISP network, the issuance of specific subsidy cards or generating a one-time password (OTP) for the ease of eligible citizens. Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik also apprised that petroleum dealers also presented some suggestions. The ministry was reviewing all suggestions and it would finalise the most viable and practical suggestions and devise the mechanism in consultation with all the stakeholders so that implementation on the scheme and provision of relief to citizens could be ensured effectively. The minister said that the petroleum dealers association and trade bodies were extending cooperation to the government in its efforts for ensuring a sufficient supply of POL products and discouraging black marketing, hoarding of fuel.
“Black marketing and concealment would not be tolerated at any cost and such moves will be dealt with sternly,” he vowed. On a query about imposing gas tariffs, the minister said that a comprehensive mechanism was devised on basis of consumption of natural gas in which 60 per cent of consumers having lower consumption would be protected.However, rates of natural gas would increase for consumers consuming gas volume more then 0.9 cubic hectometer, he added, and reiterated that the gas tariff had been increased for the people who can afford it.
Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik said that low-income and middle-class consumers had not been burdened with the increase in gas rates.The minister said that the negotiations with Russia for the provision of crude oil were going well, and it was expected that all the matters would be worked out soon and Pakistan would be able to get crude oil shipment in the month.
