Pakistan faces a looming threat of a significant oil shortage following the suspension of oil deliveries by the Oil Tankers Association on Monday. This development adds to the existing worries of consumers, given the already elevated oil prices.
Abdul Sami Khan, who serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), has revealed that numerous gasoline stations in Karachi are currently depleting their fuel reserves. However, it’s important to note that stations in the upcountry regions have not yet been impacted by this situation.
Previously, there were disruptions observed within the distribution chain for petrol and diesel, notably stemming from the terminals located in Keamari and Port Qasim in Karachi. Fortunately, prompt intervention by law enforcement agencies ensured the swift resumption of oil supplies in various regions.
The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) had already sounded the alarm to the oil ministry regarding potential supply challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing tanker strike.
Further complicating matters, Noman Ali Butt, the spokesperson for the All Pakistan Oil Contractor Association (Islamabad Region), has declared a temporary suspension of oil deliveries in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Noman emphasized that ongoing discussions with the relevant ministries are in progress, with an anticipated conclusive meeting in the near future.
The association is pressing for several key demands, including a rise in freight rates, an expansion of their oil pipeline transportation allocation from 30 percent to 65 percent, and the authorization to utilize older vehicles for oil distribution.
