Concerns over fuel availability have intensified after petroleum dealers claimed that oil marketing companies (OMCs) have significantly reduced supplies to petrol pumps, raising fears of shortages in several parts of the country.
According to him, petrol pumps received only around 50 percent of the fuel required on the latest supply cycle, creating difficulties for dealers and consumers alike. He attributed the reduction in supplies to the recent increase in international crude oil prices, which has placed additional financial pressure on oil marketing companies.
Majeed said the impact is being felt more severely in rural areas, where nearly 90 percent of petrol pumps have been affected by the limited supply. In urban centres, he estimated that around half of the petrol pumps are facing similar difficulties due to reduced fuel deliveries.
He warned that if the current supply situation continues, fuel shortages could worsen in the coming days, urging the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country.
Meanwhile, oil marketing companies have pointed to delays in customs clearance of imported petroleum products as one of the major reasons behind the disruption in supply. They have called on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to facilitate smoother operations and ensure adequate fuel stocks remain available nationwide.
The companies have also expressed strong reservations over the government’s reported proposal to introduce a daily petroleum pricing mechanism. Industry representatives argued that implementing daily price revisions would be impractical under the existing system and could create operational and financial challenges for businesses.
According to the oil marketing companies, frequent price changes would not only complicate supply chain management but would also fail to serve the interests of consumers, who could face increased uncertainty in fuel prices. They urged the government to consult all stakeholders before making any changes to the petroleum pricing framework.
