Positive Response to Fuel Crisis |
The recent escalation in the Middle East, triggered by the USA–Israel coalition strike on Iran, did not only raise tensions in an already volatile region; it also exposed the vulnerability of fuel-importing economies. The disruption of shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, sent shockwaves through global energy markets. For countries like Pakistan, heavily reliant on imported petroleum, the crisis translated into immediate economic pressure.
Pakistan’s response offers a notable case study in crisis management under constraint. Faced with a sudden external shock, the government chose not to pass on the immediate burden to consumers. Instead, it absorbed the initial impact, committing approximately Rs129 billion over a three-week period to stabilise domestic fuel prices. This decision helped cushion households and businesses at a time........