LAHORE: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reduced fuel supplies to petrol pumps across Punjab, affecting the availability of petroleum products in both urban and rural areas, according to representatives of the petroleum retail sector.
In a statement, Chaudhry Nauman Majeed, President of the Petroleum Dealers Association Central Punjab, said that oil marketing companies had significantly curtailed fuel deliveries, resulting in shortages at many filling stations.
He claimed that petrol pumps in Lahore received only 50 percent of the fuel required to meet daily demand, adding that the reduction in supply was linked to the recent increase in global crude oil prices.
“Only half of the required fuel supply was delivered today. The supply has been reduced because of rising crude oil prices in the international market,” Majeed said.
According to the association, the restricted supply has had a widespread impact, with approximately 90 percent of petrol pumps in rural areas and around 50 percent of pumps in urban areas experiencing disruptions in fuel deliveries.
The reduced availability has raised concerns among fuel retailers about the possibility of supply shortages if normal deliveries are not restored promptly.
Meanwhile, oil marketing companies presented a different explanation for the disruption. According to OMC representatives, the primary issue is delays in customs clearance, which have affected the timely movement of petroleum products.
The companies urged the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel throughout the country and to address logistical issues affecting the supply chain.
OMC representatives also criticized the current mechanism under which petroleum product prices are adjusted on a daily basis, arguing that such frequent revisions are difficult to implement operationally.
They stated that the daily pricing system is impractical and does not serve the interests of either consumers or businesses.
According to the companies, frequent price fluctuations complicate inventory management, purchasing decisions, and supply planning, creating uncertainty for retailers and distributors alike.
The differing explanations offered by petroleum dealers and oil marketing companies highlight the challenges facing Pakistan’s fuel supply chain amid changing international market conditions and domestic logistical constraints.
Fuel availability remains a critical issue, particularly in Punjab, where a large number of consumers depend on a steady supply of petrol and diesel for transportation, agriculture, and commercial activities.
Neither OGRA nor the federal government had issued an immediate response to the claims at the time of reporting.
Industry observers note that any prolonged disruption in fuel supplies could affect transportation services, commercial operations, and agricultural activities if inventories at retail outlets continue to decline.
Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely and engage with petroleum dealers and oil marketing companies to restore normal fuel distribution and prevent shortages across the province.
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