Petrol pumps across Pakistan may face closure within days if the fuel supply crisis is not resolved, industry leaders warned on Thursday.
At a press conference held at the Lahore Press Club, Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Central Secretary General Chaudhry Irfan Elahi said petroleum companies had reduced deliveries to petrol stations. Diesel supply has fallen to around 20 percent, while petrol supply has also dropped significantly.
PPDA Central Punjab President Nauman Majeed added that petrol availability had declined by roughly 50 percent. He alleged that some private companies were hoarding petroleum products, further aggravating the shortage for consumers.
Lahore President Jehanzaib Malik urged the government to take immediate action to ensure consistent fuel supply to petrol pumps. He criticized inspections being conducted at retail stations instead of supply depots, calling for a focus on restoring deliveries rather than penalizing station owners.
Malik highlighted that petrol dealers were concerned about public inconvenience. He said the regional situation, particularly ongoing conflicts, had worsened the supply chain. The delay in deliveries, he warned, could force petrol pumps to begin shutting down from Monday if supplies were not restored.
The leaders also alleged that some companies were intentionally halting deliveries to push for an increase in fuel prices. They called on the government to engage with stakeholders and resolve the situation urgently to prevent disruptions for the public.
Industry representatives emphasized that petrol pumps are vital for daily transportation and economic activity. Any prolonged shutdown would significantly affect commuters, businesses, and essential services across Pakistan.
PPDA officials urged authorities to coordinate with petroleum companies to restore fuel supply quickly. They stressed that immediate measures are necessary to avoid a full-scale closure of petrol pumps and ensure citizens do not face hardships.
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The warnings come amid growing concerns over fuel shortages and rising petroleum prices, highlighting the need for proactive government intervention and industry cooperation.
