ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s capital have launched a digital system to monitor petroleum stocks at fuel stations in real time, an 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.