ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital have launched a digital system to monitor petroleum stocks at fuel stations in real time, and official statement said on Tuesday, as the government steps up oversight of supplies following market disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The system has been introduced by the Islamabad district administration days after authorities sealed seven petrol stations for refusing fuel to motorists. It will allow officials to track fuel inventories through the “City Islamabad” mobile application, requiring petrol pump operators to upload daily stock details as authorities seek to prevent hoarding and artificial shortages.

The initiative comes days after Pakistan raised fuel prices sharply and authorities across the country launched crackdowns on hoarding amid fears that escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global energy shipments and push oil prices higher.

“Real-time monitoring will ensure that any shortage of petroleum products can be addressed immediately,” Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said in the statement announcing the system.

The statement noted the new digital tool would enable authorities to track stock levels at 145 fuel stations across Islamabad and monitor transactions through the mobile platform.

Under the system, petrol pump owners must upload daily stock information, while the district administration has released a tutorial explaining how to use the feature.

Authorities warned that failure to upload stock data could result in action against fuel station owners.

Pakistan has tightened monitoring of fuel supplies in recent days after global oil markets were rattled by United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, which raised concerns about possible disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global energy trade.

The government has said it is closely watching domestic supply conditions and international oil markets while taking steps to ensure fuel availability and prevent panic buying.