No gas queues, no shortage: FinMin

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told Agence France-Presse that Pakistan has so far absorbed the energy price shock linked to the Iran war, according to an AFP report. He said the country has arranged adequate energy stocks covering the period up to November, and is now turning to winter, when household demand usually rises. He called assaults on facilities across Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations troubling for the economy's longer-term path.

Speaking on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, he said there had been no shortage and no queues at fuel stations. He added that Pakistan would buy spot LNG cargoes only in a severe need, as these tend to cost far more than earlier contracted shipments. Aurangzeb also contrasted the situation with the law and order problems seen in some other countries.

Global energy prices have climbed since the conflict began in February, with Iran retaliating against Gulf allies of the United States. Yemen's Houthis have also repeatedly struck Saudi energy facilities and airports in recent days, according to the report. Aurangzeb warned that further damage to energy sites would slow the return to normal conditions, even if the fighting eases.