In a recent development, Pakistan finds itself facing a looming oil shortage crisis as the Oil Tankers Association decided to cease all deliveries on Monday.
This turn of events comes amidst already soaring oil prices, causing mounting concerns for consumers across the nation.
Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Chairman Abdul Sami Khan has claimed that several petrol pumps in Karachi are rapidly depleting their fuel reserves. However, it is worth noting that petrol stations in the upper regions have, for the time being, been spared from the impact of the delivery halt.
Prior to this halt, disruptions had been reported within the petrol and diesel distribution chain, specifically originating from terminals in Kemari and Port Qasim in Karachi. Fortunately, swift intervention by law enforcement agencies managed to restore oil supplies in various regions.
Notably, the Oil Companies Advisory Council had previously issued warnings to the relevant ministry regarding the potential supply challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing tanker strike.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, 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 emphasized that discussions with relevant ministries are currently underway, with a decisive meeting expected in the near future.
The association has put forth several demands as they grapple with this crisis, including an increase in freight rates, a significant boost in their oil pipeline transportation quota from the current 30% to 65%, and the permission to employ older vehicles for oil distribution.
