LAHORE: The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) has issued a stark warning that petrol stations nationwide could begin shutting their doors starting Monday if the government and relevant authorities fail to restore consistent fuel supplies. This alert comes amid growing unease about a developing fuel shortage that is beginning to disrupt daily life and economic activities across the country.
The association highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing that the supply chain for petroleum products is under significant strain. PPDA Central Secretary General Chaudhry Irfan Elahi revealed that petrol availability has plummeted by nearly half compared to normal levels, while diesel stocks have dwindled even more drastically, currently standing at just 20 percent of typical supply. Such a steep decline is already causing tangible difficulties for consumers and businesses alike, particularly impacting the transport sector, which relies heavily on uninterrupted fuel access.
Adding to the urgency, Lahore President Jehangir Malik and Central Punjab President Nauman Majeed urged the government to take immediate action to ensure that petrol pumps receive a steady and reliable flow of fuel. They criticized the current approach of authorities, who have been focusing inspections primarily on retail petrol stations rather than investigating the supply depots and oil companies responsible for distribution. The association suspects that some private oil firms may be deliberately stockpiling petroleum products, creating an artificial scarcity that exacerbates the shortage and inflates prices for consumers.
In contrast to the dealers’ concerns, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) stepped forward with a statement aimed at calming public fears. OGRA reassured the nation that Pakistan currently holds sufficient petroleum reserves, thanks to early imports that have secured enough petrol stocks to cover approximately 28 days of consumption. This buffer, OGRA insists, should prevent any immediate crisis and negate the need for panic or alarmist reactions.
Meanwhile, the Petrol Pump Owners Association has voiced strong opposition to the Prime Minister’s recent announcement about taking punitive action against petrol stations. Vice Chairman Nauman Butt condemned the proposed crackdown, arguing that petrol pump owners are unfairly being held accountable for the shortage. He stressed that fuel delivered to filling stations is sold promptly, and there is no evidence of hoarding at the retail level. the association, the limited availability at pumps directly reflects the constrained supply from upstream sources rather than any misconduct by station owners.
The association further urged that any enforcement measures should target the oil supply companies responsible for distribution rather than penalizing petrol pump operators. They described threats to revoke licenses as unjustified and counterproductive, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by the fuel shortage. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on government agencies and oil companies to resolve the supply disruptions and stabilize the market, ensuring that consumers and businesses can access fuel without interruption.
