Islamabad, May 11, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Senator Umer Farooq, on Monday reviewed the national stock position of petroleum products, gas supply challenges, LPG pricing concerns, and suspension of CNG supply in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a meeting held at Parliament House.
The session was attended by Senators Qurat-ul-Ain Marri, Saifullah Abro, Saadia Abbasi, Hidayatullah Khan, Jam Saifullah Khan, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and Manzoor Ahmed.
Officials briefed the committee on the current stocks and import position of crude oil, petrol, diesel, LNG, and LPG. The Federal Minister for Petroleum informed lawmakers that due to regional instability and import constraints, including disruptions linked to the broader US-Iran situation, the government had prioritized supply to critical sectors.
It was further stated that gas supplies had been diverted to urea production units to avert a potential fertilizer shortage, particularly amid challenges in DAP imports.
The committee was also informed about the country’s import shares of petroleum products and the arrival of an LNG cargo expected at Karachi Port the following day.
Members expressed concern over recent fuel price adjustments despite available stock, suggesting that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) may have financially benefited from the changes. However, the Petroleum Minister clarified that price adjustments were made to ensure liquidity and prevent supply disruptions amid volatile international markets.
The committee recommended a comprehensive audit of OMCs to assess financial gains from existing stocks following the price revision. It was also informed that a joint monitoring mechanism involving Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), FIA, IB, and other agencies had been established for fortnightly stock verification.
Lawmakers also questioned the petroleum pricing formula, directing the Petroleum Division to provide full details of the pricing mechanism.
During deliberations on gas supply, officials informed the committee that priority was being given to domestic consumers, particularly during cooking hours, under the National Crisis Management Cell system. However, members expressed serious concern over prolonged gas outages in Balochistan.
The committee took strong notice of rising LPG prices and the widening gap between official and market rates, directing OGRA and relevant authorities to take strict action against overpricing and submit a detailed report.
Members also raised concerns over the continued deprivation of gas connections in gas-producing areas despite court orders and government directives. Officials cited funding constraints as the primary reason for delays.
The meeting further discussed criteria for appointments to the PMDC Board of Governors and noted discrepancies in charges imposed on coal mining contractors at different sites in Balochistan. The chairman observed that PMDC and contractors were interdependent stakeholders and announced plans to personally engage them to resolve the issue.
The committee also reviewed the suspension of CNG supply in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting its adverse impact on low-income consumers. Officials said restoration of supply was linked to RLNG availability, which had been affected by global supply disruptions and maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Members further questioned gas allocation priorities for RLNG-based power plants, particularly in comparison between provinces, and sought a clear explanation of the distribution framework. The chairman directed the Petroleum Division to submit the complete allocation policy and suggested curtailing supply to certain plants if equitable distribution could not be ensured.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Senator Manzoor Ahmed, as Convener of a sub-committee, laid its report before the Standing Committee for consideration.
