Petroleum dealers blame reduced fuel deliveries and rising global oil prices for growing supply concerns, while oil marketing companies cite customs delays and oppose the proposed daily fuel pricing mechanism.
Pakistan is facing growing concerns over fuel availability after petroleum dealers alleged that oil marketing companies (OMCs) have cut petrol supplies to filling stations by nearly 50 percent, raising fears of shortages in several regions.
President of the Petroleum Dealers Association Central Punjab, Chaudhry Noman Majeed, said petrol pumps received only about half of their required fuel allocation during the latest supply cycle. He claimed the reduction has created a widening gap between supply and consumer demand, making it increasingly difficult for dealers to meet market needs.
Majeed attributed the supply disruption to the recent surge in global crude oil prices, which he said has increased financial pressure on oil marketing companies. He added that the situation is particularly severe in rural areas, where nearly 90 percent of petrol pumps have reportedly been affected, while around half of urban fuel stations are also experiencing reduced deliveries.
He warned that fuel shortages could intensify in the coming days if the issue remains unresolved and urged authorities to take immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted petroleum supplies across Pakistan.
Meanwhile, oil marketing companies said delays in customs clearance of imported petroleum products have disrupted supply chains and called on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to facilitate smoother clearance processes and maintain adequate national fuel stocks.
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