Petrol pumps across Pakistan may face imminent shutdowns after several petroleum firms reduced supplies, Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) leaders warned Friday. The shortage has raised concerns of a potential fuel crisis, affecting both petrol and diesel availability nationwide.

Speaking at the Lahore Press Club, PPDA Central Secretary General Chaudhry Irfan Elahi described the situation as “alarming,” citing a drop in diesel supply to just 20 per cent and significant reductions in petrol deliveries. He added that fuel price hikes were already being felt, with petrol rising by up to PKR 35 and diesel by PKR 17.

PPDA Central Punjab President Nauman Majeed confirmed that petrol supply had been cut by around 50 per cent and claimed that some private firms were hoarding petroleum products. PPDA Lahore President Jehanzaib Malik urged the government to ensure that deliveries match petrol pump requirements, stating, “If the government does not restore supply, petrol pumps will start shutting down from Monday.” He accused companies of halting supplies to push for higher prices, while warning of disruptions for ordinary consumers.

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In response, Pakistan’s federal government instructed provincial authorities to physically monitor retail petrol stations through Deputy Commissioners to prevent hoarding and profiteering. The move follows concerns that inspections were focusing on petrol stations rather than supply depots, where bulk stock management occurs.

The government recently appointed Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, a Grade-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, as Petroleum Division Secretary, filling a vacancy that had existed for several months. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) reassured the public that Pakistan currently maintains adequate petroleum stocks to meet national demand, and there is no need for panic buying.

Officials indicated additional measures to address the shortage, including potentially shifting the petrol pricing mechanism from fortnightly to weekly adjustments, providing financial support to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for imports, and encouraging work-from-home policies to reduce fuel consumption. These steps aim to stabilise supply, manage prices, and prevent disruption to consumers amid ongoing market pressures.

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