There have been claims in recent days that petrol has run out in Pakistan and the country is facing an oil shortage. But are these claims true?
There have been reports, according to the Arab News, that petrol is about to end in Pakistan as some tanker drivers said they had faced delays at fuel depots earlier in the week.
No petrol shortage in Pakistan
Fears of a petrol shortage in Pakistan began to ease on Tuesday as several fuel shipments started arriving at Port Qasim, officials said.
The deliveries come after a recent surge in fuel prices and growing concerns about supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
A spokesperson for the Port Qasim Authority (PQA), Asad Altaf Hussain Warsi, said one vessel had already completed a large part of its unloading operation.
The tanker Torm Damini discharged around 37,000 metric tonnes of gas oil at the port over roughly 40 hours and is expected to sail later on Tuesday.
Another tanker, Nave Atropos, carrying about 50,000 metric tonnes of motor gasoline from Singapore, arrived at the port earlier and is expected to berth soon. Officials say the vessel should complete unloading within about 30 hours.
A third ship, Spruce II, carrying around 55,000 metric tonnes of gasoline from Sohar in Oman, is also due to dock after the second vessel finishes its operations.
Meanwhile, another tanker named Sea Clipper, transporting about 34,000 metric tonnes of gasoline from Fujairah, is scheduled to arrive soon and will berth after the other vessels.
Officials say additional shipments are expected in the coming days as authorities work to maintain steady fuel supplies.
Government says supplies remain stable
Officials at Port Qasim said they were coordinating closely with shipping companies to ensure vessels are handled smoothly and that fuel continues to reach the country.
The government has also sought to reassure the public that supplies remain under control.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said in a televised interview that there would be “no immediate significant changes” to fuel prices despite recent market pressures.
Pakistan relies heavily on oil and gas imports from Gulf countries, and authorities recently arranged naval escorts for vessels transporting fuel to ensure safe passage during the regional crisis.
Price hike of petroleum
Fuel prices in Pakistan rose sharply last week, with the government increasing petrol and diesel prices by about Rs55 per litre.
The rise followed disruptions in global oil markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which has affected shipping routes and energy facilities in the region.
The price increase has added pressure on household budgets, with some residents reporting higher transport costs and rising prices for everyday goods.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has also announced temporary austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel use, including shortening the government working week and closing schools for a period.
For now, officials say the arrival of new fuel shipments should help stabilise supplies and reduce fears of shortages in the coming days.
Also read: OGRA reacts to reports of LPG price hike
