The government has decided to introduce a digital fuel management system at petrol pumps across the country as part of contingency measures to address potential disruptions in fuel supply.
Officials said the decision comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, prompting authorities to finalize preparations for managing a possible petroleum supply crisis. Under the proposed system, citizens will be allocated a fixed petrol quota for their private vehicles to ensure fair distribution and prevent panic buying.
According to sources, the Ministry of Information Technology has completed technical testing of mobile devices and a dedicated fuel management application that will be deployed at petrol stations. The ministry has submitted full project details to the Cabinet Division for final approval.
As part of the implementation plan, each petrol pump will be provided with a smartphone valued at PKR 72,000, which will be used to operate the digital fuel allocation system. The cost of these devices will be covered by oil marketing companies, reducing the financial burden on the government.
Once approved, the system is expected to allow authorities to monitor fuel distribution in real time, regulate consumption, and respond swiftly to supply pressures. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen fuel security, enhance transparency, and improve crisis management during periods of regional instability.
The move marks a significant step toward digitizing Pakistan’s fuel supply chain and improving preparedness for external shocks affecting energy markets.
