Petrol shortage feared as oil tankers go on strike

There is a fear of petrol shortage across the country as the Oil Tankers Association has gone on a strike, stopping supply from the Islamabad Sihala depot until its demands are met.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Oil Tankers Association said that the supply of petrol to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, airport, Hazara Division, Attock and Gilgit-Baltistan would remain suspended, while the supply of petroleum products to Rawalpindi and Islamabad had also been stopped.

“We demand of the government that the share of transport running on the White Oil Pipeline should be increased to 65%,” the statement said, adding that fares should be increased, old vehicles should be restored, local 100% and overloading trips should be increased by 50%.

“Petrol supply will remain suspended until the demands are not accepted.”

Meanwhile, the Oil Companies Advisory Council warned of a possible shortage of petroleum products.

“Due to the strike by oil transporters across the country, there is a problem in the supply of petroleum products,” an OCAC letter to Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Division stated.

It requested the energy ministry and the Petroleum Division to take the strike of oil transports seriously and try to resolve the issues through negotiations.

The supply from Port Qasim, Korangi and Keamari Terminals, as well as Jaglot, Sahala, and Shikarpur depots had been affected.

It again urged the ministry and Petroleum Division to take necessary measures by intervening in the matter.

“If the series continues like this, there may be shortage of petroleum products in the country,” the OCAC added.