Oil companies have raised alarms over a possible nationwide fuel shortage, blaming a new policy introduced by the Sindh government. The Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan (OMAP) said that the policy could disrupt petroleum imports and create a supply crisis in the coming days.
According to OMAP, the Sindh government recently imposed a 1.85% Infrastructure Cess along with a mandatory bank guarantee for importers. The association warned that this decision could freeze the working capital of oil companies, making it impossible for them to continue importing fuel smoothly.
In a letter to Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik, OMAP Chairman Tariq Wazir Ali called for immediate federal action. He stated that the Sindh Excise Department’s decision threatens to choke the already fragile oil supply chain.
The association highlighted that oil companies are already under financial stress due to delayed tax refunds, foreign exchange losses, and thin regulated margins. It warned that the new cess and bank guarantee requirement would worsen the crisis, leading to potential fuel shortages nationwide.
Industry experts said the new cess adds around Rs2.5 to Rs3 per litre to the fuel cost. Since oil companies cannot pass this cost to consumers under current pricing rules, their financial burden is increasing.
The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) also issued a warning, reporting that several petroleum cargoes are stuck at Karachi Port. These include shipments for PSO, HPL, and Parco, which are awaiting customs clearance due to the 100% bank guarantee condition.
Both OMAP and OCAC urged the Energy Ministry to coordinate with the Sindh government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to find a quick solution. They warned that any further delay could lead to a nationwide fuel shortage, affecting transport, agriculture, and industrial operations.
In other related news also read The government plans to hand over fuel pricing authority to oil companies
The oil companies have called for urgent government intervention to maintain energy security and prevent a potential economic disruption.
