Pakistan government struggles as fuel prices break records; Shehbaz ministers warn of energy crisis

Shehbaz ministers warn of energy crisis as Pakistan fuel prices surge Pakistan is facing a widening energy crunch as disruptions around key Gulf shipping routes push up global oil prices, fuel costs surge and the government weighs measures to curb petroleum consumption.Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government is facing pressure on multiple fronts, with ministers warning about the impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El-Mandeb while trying to shield consumers from soaring fuel prices.Petrol prices were raised by PKR 4.10 per litre and high-speed diesel by PKR 6.41 per litre on Tuesday night, taking petrol to PKR 384.34 per litre and HSD to PKR 415.83 per litre.The sharp increases have raised concerns about how long Pakistan can absorb the impact of the global oil shock, with climate change minister Musadik Malik saying the government was trying to absorb part of the increase through its fuel relief scheme.Under the scheme, motorcyclists would receive subsidised petrol for up to five litres a week, while car owners would get relief on up to 10 litres every 10 days. Malik said the assistance would not fully offset the increase in fuel prices but represent...