Pakistan Mulls Reinstating Fuel Subsidy Program Amid Middle East Tensions

The government of Pakistan is considering reinstating a targeted fuel subsidy program if tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up international oil prices.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said that if the current situation does not improve within the next few days, they will bring back the targeted subsidy mechanism previously used to shield vulnerable consumers from sharp fuel price increases.

The minister acknowledged the financial hardships faced by the public but noted that Pakistan's commitments under the IMF program and limited fiscal space make it necessary to recover the actual cost of petroleum products from consumers.