The lack of sufficient imports and the local supply of gasoline and high-speed diesel appear to have caused a fuel shortage issue to arrive earlier than expected in the nation.
The worst of it has yet to be seen in many gas stations in Punjab’s major and minor cities, especially in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, where many gas pumps have had little to no supply of fuel for several days. This is probably because the oil marketing companies are under pressure to increase their supply (OMCs).
Khawaja Atif, the secretary of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, reports that about 70 of the 450 pumps in Lahore are empty, and that OMC shortages have left 70% of the pumps in Gujranwala without gasoline. Atif reported to a national newspaper that there had been no pumps in Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, and other minor areas.
Musadik Malik, the minister of state for petroleum, has denied reports of a fuel scarcity and asserted that there will be adequate gasoline and diesel for the next 20 days. He issued a warning that if gas station owners are found to be restricting fuel supply, their licences will be cancelled.
Relevantly, the Oil Tankers Contractors Association (OTCA) has asked the Petroleum Division for an urgent meeting to consider the matter of the Oil Tankers Association’s share in the White Oil Pipeline.
Today, February 8th, a meeting will be held to go through the aforementioned subject.
