Following the Rupee devaluation, back-breaking inflation, price hikes, petrol shortage could be another curse we can face very soon. It’s been days; we are reporting the looming issue consistently. Even mainstream media is doing the same, but the incumbent government is narrating a different story on it.
And now, the oil refineries have also drawn the government’s attention toward the imminent crisis. Petrol shortage can hit the country by the mid of this month in the face of a delay in payment to import raw materials and additives, refineries informed.
Oil refineries added that the prevailing payment issues, along with dollar appreciation, added more pain – halted the production of petroleum products.
On the contrary, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik claimed that there are sufficient fuel supplies for 20- 25 days. He also warned of dire consequences to those hoarding petrol and diesel stocks.
In a letter to State Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik and Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr. Jameel Ahmed, refineries portrayed a clear picture of the matter, stating, “The situation will become extremely critical mid-February 2023 if remedial measures are not taken immediately”.
Problems mated with letters of credits to import raw material and other additives quoted as the vital cause of the prevalent calamity. Where the petroleum minister is rubbishing such reports, Punjab started facing the fuel shortage in various cities.
Petrol Pumps Closed in Various Cities of Punjab
After a whooping increase in petrol prices, now; the fuel crisis is on the brink. As per media reports, petrol pumps are closed in various cities of Punjab to beget an alleged petrol shortage in the province, annoying motorists waiting in long queues.
Reports have informed that most of the petrol pumps are closed in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha. Moreover, a few petrol pumps are open in Shakargarh, Khushab, Gojra, Mandi Bahauddin providing Rs. 200 worth of petrol to motorcyclists and other vehicles are provided with not more then Rs. 500 worth of fuel.
what do you think about reports alarming the looming petrol crisis next week? Tell us in the comments section.
