Rawalpindi’s petrol pumps run dry

District administration imposes Rs15,000 fine on every pump refusing to sell fuel

RAWALPINDI: Reduction in the prices of petroleum products instead of easing has added to the problems of the people.

Petrol has become a rare commodity in Rawalpindi division. Most of the filling stations have closed down and those offering fuel have long queues of people waiting in sweltering heat to fill the tanks of their vehicles.

Some filling stations were offering only three litres to motorcycles and 10 litres to cars, however, the outlets of state owned oil marketing company were filling up tanks as much as the customers may desire.

Moreover, some pumps were only selling hi-octane, which being more expensive sees least sales during normal days.

Disgruntled bikers waiting for their turn at a filling station were seen cursing the government for mismanagement. The authorities can put a street vendor, a shopkeeper in jail for profiteering and hoarding...would they dare challenge the oil marketing companies, a teacher waiting to get petrol for his motorcycle said.

During a survey of the city, managements of filling stations told The Express Tribune that they were not getting the required quantitity from their respective companies.

District administration takes action

The Rawalpindi district administration officials penalised a number of filling stations for hoarding petrol.

Canttonment Assistant Commissioner Ramsha Javed and City Assistant Commissioner Qazi Ahmad Shoaib imposed fines worth Rs15,000 each on 15 petrol pump owners, sealed three petrol pumps and issued strict warnings to 11 others.

In addition, a warning has been given to seal the pump again in case of shortage of petrol. The assistant commissioners visited 41 petrol pumps in Adiyala Road, Saddar Cantt, Chakri Road, Murree Road, Rawal Road, Syedpur Road, Faizabad and inner city and inspected the stock. They also warned to seal all those filling stations which were not selling petrol.

Pump owners who charge more than the government rate will face penalties, AC Ramsha Javed said.

Entrepreneurs having licence to sell petrol and illegal agencies and shops also made huge profits. They have started selling petrol at Rs120 to Rs125 per litre, AC Shoiab told The Express Tribune.

A major operation is being launched against them from today under which all such shops and agencies will be sealed. District Officer Civil Defense Talib Hussain while confirming said that Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq has issued instructions for zero tolerance on shortage of petrol, sale at high prices and has issued strict instructions to normalise petrol matters within 24 hours. Crackdown will be continued till late night.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2020.