LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a grand crackdown against hoarders and profiteers involved in stockpiling petroleum products. On the directives of the chief minister, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been mobilised across the province. Authorities have been instructed to take strict action against elements creating artificial shortages in order to earn illegal profits. According to the directives, petrol pumps found involved in hoarding or profiteering will be sealed immediately and their licences will be cancelled. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed PERA to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hoarders and instructed field officers to ensure strict monitoring of petrol pumps throughout the province. As per directions, the Punjab administration has prepared a strong enforcement mechanism against the so-called “petrol mafia.” It has also made it clear that no one will be allowed to exploit the public by creating panic or artificial shortages under the pretext of tensions in the Gulf region. The Punjab government emphasised that sufficient petroleum products are available in the province and urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours. A strong warning has also been issued against speculation and false claims regarding petroleum shortages, stating that those spreading rumours of artificial scarcity will face strict consequences. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026