KARACHI: In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan, the nation now finds itself on the brink of a potentially severe oil shortage crisis. The Oil Tankers Association, in a decisive move, has opted to halt all fuel deliveries, setting off alarm bells in a country already grappling with soaring oil prices and heightened concerns among consumers.
The situation has been further compounded by reports from Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman Abdul Sami Khan, who has sounded the alarm that numerous petrol pumps in Karachi are rapidly depleting their fuel reserves. It is a concerning development that has cast a shadow over the nation’s fuel supply, although it’s noteworthy that petrol stations in the upper regions have, for now, been spared from the repercussions of the delivery halt.
The disruptions in the petrol and diesel distribution chain had been simmering for some time, with particular focal points at terminals in Kemari and Port Qasim in Karachi. Fortunately, the swift intervention of law enforcement agencies managed to restore oil supplies in various regions, albeit temporarily.
Adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding crisis, a spokesperson for the All Pakistan Oil Contractor Association (Islamabad Region) declared that oil deliveries have been temporarily suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Noman Ali Butt, the spokesperson, emphasized that ongoing discussions with relevant ministries are in progress, with a crucial meeting anticipated in the near future.
Amidst these turbulent developments, the Oil Companies Advisory Council had previously issued warnings to the relevant ministry regarding the looming supply challenges, especially in light of the ongoing tanker strike. The situation is now at a critical juncture, with the oil tanker association putting forth several demands as they grapple with this crisis. These include an urgent increase in freight rates, a substantial boost in their oil pipeline transportation quota, which currently stands at 30%, to a more sustainable 65%, and the much-needed permission to utilize older vehicles for oil distribution.
As Pakistan navigates this precarious situation, the nation watches with bated breath, acutely aware of the potential consequences that a prolonged oil shortage could bring. The government, in collaboration with stakeholders, faces the arduous task of finding swift and effective solutions to ensure the uninterrupted supply of this essential resource to its citizens.
