Govt moves to end LPG monopolies, abolish discretionary quota system: Tarar

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said the government was taking measures to promote competition in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector by ending monopolistic practices and abolishing the long-standing discretionary quota system. Addressing a news conference alongside Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the introduction of a merit-based and transparent system in the LPG sector to ensure fair competition and facilitate consumers. Tarar termed the initiative a historic step, saying no previous government had attempted to dismantle the monopoly of a few individuals and introduce a competitive mechanism based on merit. He said the government had also taken an unprecedented initiative by transferring profits generated by oil refineries to the public for the first time in the country's history. Highlighting the government's response to the global energy crisis, the minister said the prime minister had prioritised public interests and taken measures to prevent additional financial burdens on consumers. He said the government initially provided subsidies worth Rs133 billion to prevent increases in petrol and diesel prices and ensure fuel availability. Subsequently, a targeted subsidy mechanism was introduced through the Fuel Relief Scheme to extend assistance to deserving and underprivileged segments of society. He said the measures reflected the prime minister's commitment to protecting vulnerable sections of society while maintaining macroeconomic stability. The minister said the government was also pursuing structural reforms to bring transparency into the economic system and strengthen regulatory oversight. In this regard, he said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had started publishing all relevant details on its website, describing it as a first in the country's history. Referring to reforms in the sugar sector, Tarar said the sector had generated an additional Rs60 billion in tax revenue for the first time. He said the government was encouraging profitable sectors and those with the capacity to pay taxes to fulfil their national responsibility and demonstrate patriotism by paying their due taxes, adding that additional measures were being taken to reduce the financial burden on the public. The minister said these measures formed part of a broader reform agenda aimed at improving transparency, strengthening tax collection and ensuring a fairer distribution of economic responsibilities. He added that the prime minister had directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy for gas supply during the winter season and instructed federal ministers to expedite measures aimed at providing relief to the people. Responding to a question about the petroleum levy, Tarar said the prime minister had made special efforts to provide relief under difficult circumstances, including a temporary reduction in the levy. Regarding talks with Jamaat-e-Islami, he said relevant issues had been discussed and the party had been asked to submit its proposals and possible solutions, along with technical recommendations. He said the government would consider further relief measures wherever feasible. On the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, the minister said the region held great importance for the federal government and the prime minister had also chaired a review meeting to assess development initiatives. He said several measures were being undertaken to improve facilities in the region, including a 100-megawatt power project and the provision of solar panels, with the federal government providing funding worth billions of rupees. Tarar said construction work on the Jaglot-Skardu Road was continuing, while various corridors were being developed and Danish Schools were being established in different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the federal government was giving special attention to the region and a thorough investigation into the recent incident there was underway. The government, he added, would prioritise resolving the problems faced by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The minister further said the Attorney General had been issued special instructions to ensure effective pursuit of pending cases affected by the implementation of the new system so that no legal impediments obstructed the provision of relief to the public.