ISLAMABAD: Innumerable roadblocks and other security measures taken by the government against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march towards Islamabad have disrupted fuel supply across the country, leaving several cities There is a risk of fuel shortage.
In a statement, Secretary of Petroleum Dealers Association Khawaja Atif said that there is a fear of shortage of petroleum products in Lahore and across Punjab. [….] The stock of petrol is low at some petrol pumps in Lahore. [but] Not finished [yet]”
Atif’s comments come as fuel shortages will significantly add to the woes of citizens – whose movement is already restricted by roadblocks – and exacerbate the financial impact of the ongoing protests. , which, according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, costs Rs 190 billion a day. to the country.
Discussing the situation, Atif lamented the disrupted fuel supply and said that the daily consumption of petroleum products in Lahore has crossed 5 million litres, while the figure is around 50 million in the whole of Punjab. There is a liter.
Warning that the continuation of the current situation could lead to dire consequences, the association secretary urged the government to open the roads so that fuel supply can be restored.
It should be noted that Lahore Division acts as an important hub for economic and commercial activities and non-replenishment of fuel supplies in the region and its surrounding areas will result in loss of essential services, day-to-day operations and lives of millions of people. Livelihood will be adversely affected.
Highlighting the situation in Rawalpindi, President of Petroleum Dealers Association North Chaudhry Zafar Elahi expressed concern over the dwindling stock of petrol at the city’s filling stations.
In a statement, he said that the supply of petrol to the pumps of Rawalpindi is suspended due to the closure of the roads.
He highlighted that petrol pumps usually have reserves of three to four days, and the situation has worsened as pumps in Pindi have had minimal supply of oil for the past three days.
Elahi urged the authorities to open the roads for a few hours every day to ensure fuel supply to the pumps. He warned that if the supply is not restored, police vehicles and other transport may face fuel shortage.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad – which has been the focus of PTI’s protests – Raja Wasim, district president of the Petroleum Dealers Association, lamented the lack of traffic at petrol pumps in the federal capital as a result of minimal fuel sales. It is stressed, the situation is stable with
In a statement, he assured that petrol is currently available at filling stations in Islamabad, but warned that the increase in demand could cause problems.
Waseem said that the situation is currently under control.
However, he noted that no fresh fuel was being supplied to the pumps from the Islamabad depot due to road closures, hampering distribution efforts.
Speaking on this matter, the spokesperson of Oil Tanker Contractors Association has said that the supply of petrol and diesel in Islamabad, Gilgit and Kohala has been affected.
Noting that thousands of tankers are waiting for the roads to reopen, the spokesman said there has been no supply of petroleum products to Gujranwala, Jhelum, Sialkot and Kharian for the past three days.
He added that fuel stations in many cities have run out of petrol.
Ogra is in touch with all stakeholders.
Addressing concerns over fuel shortages, the Oil and Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has assured that the government body is in touch with all stakeholders.
“All possible measures are being taken to improve fuel supply,” read a statement issued by Ogra.
The regulator’s remarks came at a time when the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) on Monday announced a comprehensive plan for uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and district administrations of Rawalpindi and Lahore divisions. Directed the preparation and implementation of the plan. In view of the current situation of lockdown.
While OGRA is actively engaging with the district administration, the ministry asked the commissioners to immediately issue necessary instructions to the concerned people in the district administration to formulate and implement a comprehensive plan to deal with the situation and Uninterrupted supply of crude oil to ARL and POL products should be ensured. affected city.
Earlier, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) had asked the Punjab administration and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to provide safe routes for oil tankers and lorries to transport fuel in these areas to avoid fuel shortages. can be avoided.
In its letter to the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) of Islamabad and Punjab, OCAC said that the situation has worsened over the past two days, fueled by the closure of highways. Transportation has been severely delayed and poses serious risks. Stock shortages.