PSO says it has sufficient stocks to meet demand

Decides to operate depots and installations round the clock.

ISLAMABAD: Public sector oil marketing company Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has dispelled the impression that there is a fuel shortage in the country, saying it has sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel to cater to the nation’s requirements.

A spokesperson of the company told the APP on Tuesday that PSO had decided to operate its depots and installations overnight, to efficiently meet the growing demand of petrol and provide an uninterrupted fuel supply to its dealers in the wake of the CNG crisis. Keeping in view the closure of filling stations of other distribution companies, the official said the company’s sale officers were making hectic efforts in collaboration with dealers to meet extra demand in certain areas, including the federal capital and Rawalpindi.

While replying to a question, the spokesperson rejected the impression that certain PSO stations in the federal capital were kept closed due to a shortage of fuel. “We have no such reports. All filling stations are operating and refuelling routinely.” However, the spokesperson added, any blockage or closure could be part of security measures enforced by local authorities as part of efforts to prevent untoward incidents on the occasion of new year’s celebrations.

The official also said that a plan was being pursued to eliminate middlemen and rationalise costs at PSO, as part of efforts to make the national energy giant an integrated energy company by incorporating all aspects of the product supply chain. These include exploration, refining, distribution and shipping. As a result, the spokesperson said the company would minimise its dependence on foreign supply chains and follow the model of successful companies which have integrated multiple supply chain aspects within themselves.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has taken notice of media reports on the purported petrol shortage in the country, and has asked Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Secretary Dr Waqar Masood Khan to submit a report. The secretary informed the premier that there was no petrol shortage in the country, and that some complaints have been made only in Islamabad where, due to fog, deliveries could not reach in time. The situation, the secretary informed, has now improved as deliveries are now reaching petrol stations.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2013.                

Like Business on Facebook to stay informed and join in the conversation.