Petrol crisis looms over Pakistan, country could come to a standstill by weekend
Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): Amidst the ongoing tensions in the Gulf countries and deteriorating relations with Afghanistan, alarming news is emerging from Pakistan. If you're thinking Pakistan's troubles have eased, wait a minute! The neighboring country is now facing a severe shortage of petrol and diesel. The situation has become so uncontrollable that within the next few hours, petrol pumps across the country could be closed, bringing Pakistan's economy to a complete halt.
Government claims fall flat, not a drop of water has been received for three days.
The Pakistan government may be proudly claiming that the country has fuel reserves for the next 20 to 25 days, but the ground reality is completely opposite. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) issued a stern warning on Thursday, exposing the government's hollow claims. The association clearly states that they have not been given any supply of petrol for the last three days. Oil marketing companies (OMCs) are continuously harassing them and their fixed demand has been drastically reduced by up to 50 percent. Dealers say that if the situation does not improve immediately, oil will almost run out in the entire Pakistan by this weekend.
Prices skyrocketed, companies started hoarding
This unprecedented oil shortage has completely broken the back of Pakistan's people, already struggling with inflation. The association's Central Secretary General, Chaudhry Irfan Elahi, described the situation as extremely dangerous. Fuel prices in the country have skyrocketed due to the halt in oil supplies. Amidst this crisis, petrol prices have risen by 35 Pakistani rupees (Pakistani Rupees) overnight, and diesel by 17 rupees (Pakistani Rupees). Diesel supplies have fallen to just 20%. Central Punjab President Nauman Majeed has even revealed that some private companies have taken advantage of this crisis and have begun large-scale black marketing and hoarding of petroleum products.
Petrol pump owners expressed anger against the government
Amid this widespread chaos, petrol pump operators are also furious. They are constantly pleading with the government to immediately provide them with adequate fuel. Their greatest pain and anger is that instead of taking action against the main depots that are blocking supplies, government officials are targeting them by conducting checks and raids on empty petrol stations.