Dawn
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16:24 Mar 02, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Amid disruption to LNG imports from Qatar, the government on Monday decided to keep translating the impact of rising global oil prices to consumers under the existing fortnightly pass-through mechanism to avoid a fiscal bulge amid close monitoring of supplies. A meeting of the newly created 18-member cabinet committee, constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to monitor petroleum prices in the wake of the emerging situation in the region, was told that petrol and diesel stocks in the country were sufficient for almost a 30-day cover but Qatar Gas had closed its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility after it came under Iranian attack. Official communication from Doha about the latest situation was, however, still awaited. LNG supplies would nevertheless not be available beyond a few cargoes that had already crossed the Strait of Hormuz towards Karachi. The 18-member cabinet body constituted by the prime minister included the ministers for petroleum and power; the State Bank of Pakistan governor; ...