Oil Passing Through Strait of Hormuz Will Not Be Free or Cheaper, Says Pakistan Law Minister

Islamabad: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has clarified that the recent passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz will neither make oil free nor reduce its price in Pakistan.

Responding to Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman during a Senate session, Minister Tarar said that oil prices were already higher today compared to February 28, and the availability of oil is due to diplomatic relations with a neighboring country, not the free passage of ships through Hormuz.

He emphasized that while diesel prices are extremely high globally, Pakistan has removed the levy on diesel and reduced fuel expenditures in federal offices by 50 percent. The minister also urged traders to close markets early to conserve energy.

Earlier, Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman questioned the government’s handling of oil imports, asking whether the tankers passing under the Pakistani flag actually delivered oil to the country. He announced that JUI would hold nationwide protests against rising prices on Friday and criticized PTI members for claiming leadership through symbolic actions rather than effective activism.

Minister Tarar also highlighted federal budget cuts, stating that while government officials’ vehicles were excluded, overall expenditures on official fuel were halved. He appealed to political actors to prioritize Pakistan’s energy and economic stability amid global challenges.