There is growing concern about a potential shortage of petrol nationwide due to a strike by the Oil Tankers Association, which has halted the supply from the Islamabad Sihala depot until its demands are met.
In a statement released on Monday, the Oil Tankers Association announced that petrol supply to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, airports, Hazara Division, Attock, and Gilgit-Baltistan would be suspended. Additionally, the supply of petroleum products to Rawalpindi and Islamabad has also been disrupted.
The statement emphasized the association’s demands, which include an increase in the share of transport using the White Oil Pipeline to 65%, fare adjustments, restoration of older vehicles, and a 50% increase in local 100% and overloaded trips.
The association stated that petrol supply would remain suspended until its demands are met.
Simultaneously, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has issued a warning about the potential shortage of petroleum products. In a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Division, the OCAC expressed concern about supply issues resulting from the nationwide strike by oil transporters.
The OCAC urged the energy ministry and the Petroleum Division to take the strike seriously and attempt to resolve the issues through negotiations. Supply disruptions have been observed at Port Qasim, Korangi, Keamari Terminals, as well as Jaglot, Sahala, and Shikarpur depots.
The OCAC reiterated its call for immediate action by the ministry and Petroleum Division, emphasizing that if the situation continues, the country may face a shortage of petroleum products.