PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Petroleum Omar Ayub here on said Thursday that the government will eliminate the petrol crisis within the next three days, stating that action will be taken against hoarders.
Amid persistent petrol crisis, the minister assured the Peshawar High Court that action will be taken against hoarders.
A two-member bench of the PHC, consisting on Justice Qaiser Rashid and Justice Ahmed Ali heard the petition filed in the court against the petrol and flour crisis. The Federal Minister for Petroleum Omar Ayub appeared before the court.
The PHC judge said that earlier people faced wheat crisis and now petrol shortage, telling the federal minister he was summoned so that the public could be provided quick relief regarding the situation.
The minister said the government has initiated action against those stocking petroleum reserves which led to an artificial shortage. "This is the first time that action is being taken against this mafia," said the federal minister.
The minister told the court that the petrol companies have constituted a 'mafia' and created the shortage.
Ayub said that during raids, petrol reserves were recovered and cases have been registered against the culprits. He alleged that the 'mafia' is not letting the people take relief from the subsidized petroleum prices, adding that the petrol demand has surged by 30%.
The court directed to legislate against hoarding and identify the culprits. The hearing of the cases was adjourned till June 17.
Earlier, Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the federal government to ensure smooth supply of petrol at filling stations across Pakistan as soon as possible. The court conducted hearing on a notice pertaining to petrol and wheat crisis in the country.
Omar Ayub also appeared before the High Court, where Justice Qaiser Rashid asked about the government measures to mitigate the crisis. The judge said that the petrol pumps are not taking care of the SOPs and 'useless' meetings are being held to discuss the situation.
The PHC judge continued that earlier people faced wheat crisis and now petrol shortage, telling the federal minister he was summoned so that the public can be given quick relief regarding the situation.
The minister told the court that the petrol companies have constituted a 'mafia' and creating the shortage.
The court ordered the federal minister to control the situation as soon as possible. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a meeting of the federal cabinet ordered maximum punitive action against those responsible for the artificial petrol shortage in Pakistan.
PM Imran had directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and Petroleum Division to take necessary action to ensure regular supplies within two to three days.
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