Pakistan could face severe shortages of petrol and diesel, the country’s oil industry has warned, urging the government to take immediate steps to protect the nation’s fuel supply chain. The alert, issued amid growing concerns over geopolitical developments and disruptions to regional supply routes, has raised fears of a potential fuel crisis if urgent action is not taken.
The Oil Advisory Council (OAC), along with representatives of the oil industry, expressed concern that key supply routes, including the East-West Pipeline, could be disrupted because of the changing regional situation. They cautioned that any interruption to these routes would directly affect the movement of petroleum products across Pakistan, leaving the country vulnerable to acute fuel shortages.
Industry representatives said they had repeatedly approached the authorities over the issue, but there had been little progress in resolving their concerns. They warned that the industry’s financial capacity was being put under increasing pressure, making it harder to maintain normal operations and ensure steady supplies.
The OAC further stated that if the government failed to provide the necessary support and disruptions to fuel supplies occurred, the oil industry should not be held responsible for the resulting shortages. The warning underscores the industry’s frustration with what it describes as a lack of attention to its mounting problems.
In a bid to avert a crisis, the oil industry has formally invited senior government officials to an emergency meeting in Karachi to discuss the situation and seek urgent measures. The meeting is expected to focus on securing the fuel supply chain and addressing the financial strain on industry players.
The possibility of petrol and diesel shortages comes at a time when Pakistan is already grappling with economic challenges. Any disruption to fuel supplies would add to the burden on consumers and businesses, potentially affecting transportation, agriculture, and industrial activity. The government has not yet responded publicly to the industry’s warning.
Observers note that the East-West Pipeline is a critical artery for moving petroleum products, and its disruption would have immediate consequences for supply. The industry’s call for immediate government intervention reflects the urgency of the situation, as regional dynamics continue to evolve.
The oil industry’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s fuel supply chain. Without swift action, the country could find itself facing the very shortages the industry is seeking to prevent. The emergency meeting in Karachi will be closely watched as a test of the government’s readiness to respond to the looming threat.
Source: ARY News