Consumers may encounter the challenge of a potential shortage of petroleum products following the suspension of oil product distribution by the Oil Tankers’ association starting Monday morning.
Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), says that some petrol pumps in Karachi have started to experience shortages, while pumps in other parts of the country have, as of yet, remained unaffected.
There have been reports of distribution blockages for petrol and diesel from the Keamari and Port Qasim terminals. However, law enforcement agencies have since intervened to help clear oil supplies to various regions of the country.
The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) had previously warned the oil ministry about potential supply bottlenecks due to the oil tanker strike.
Noman Ali Butt, spokesperson for the All Pakistan Oil Contractor Association (Islamabad Region), revealed that diesel and petrol supplies have been suspended in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir.
Butt indicated ongoing verbal communication with relevant ministries and expressed hope that a meeting would be convened within a day or two to address their concerns. However, as of now, the strike continues.
The association has demanded an increase in freight rates, followed by an expansion of their quota in white oil pipeline transportation from the current 30 percent to 65 percent. Additionally, they are requesting permission to utilize older vehicles for oil transportation.
