OCAC urges OGRA to stop sealing fuel stations amid panic buying

ISLAMABAD:The Oil Companies Advisory Council OCAC) has urged the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority OGRA) to intervene after local administrations sealed several fuel stations during panic buying, warning the action could disrupt the petroleum supply chain and intensify shortages.

In a formal letter dated March 09, 2026 to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) chairman, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) highlighted operational difficulties faced by petroleum retail outlets across the country amid an unexpected spike in fuel consumption. And, sought urgent regulatory intervention after local administrations in various districts sealed retail fuel stations that temporarily ran out of stock due to an abrupt surge in demand.

According to OCAC, member oil marketing companies have observed an unusual surge in fuel offtake over the past few days, primarily driven by panic buying linked to prevailing regional uncertainties. In several locations, daily fuel sales have nearly doubled compared to normal consumption levels.

The council (OCAC) stated that oil companies have significantly increased product dispatches and are making continuous efforts to replenish retail outlets. However, the sudden and abnormal demand has resulted in temporary stock depletion at some stations while tanker deliveries are still in transit.

OCAC expressed concern that in certain districts local authorities have begun sealing petrol pumps that temporarily run out of fuel. While acknowledging the administrations’ intent to ensure market discipline and prevent malpractice, the council warned that sealing outlets under such extraordinary demand conditions could be counterproductive.

According to industry sources, closing fuel stations delays the resumption of sales even after fresh supplies arrive, complicates operational logistics for oil marketing companies, and risks aggravating public anxiety in already tense market conditions.

The council cautioned that such actions could further disrupt the retail fuel supply network and unintentionally fuel more panic buying among consumers.

OCAC has therefore requested OGRA to issue clear guidance to provincial and local administrations, advising them not to seal petrol pumps solely on the basis of temporary stock depletion when replenishment is already underway.

The oil industry body stressed that timely regulatory intervention would help maintain the smooth functioning of the petroleum supply chain and ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel to consumers across the country.

The OCAC, in its letter to OGRA chairman, also reiterated that its (OCAC) member companies are fully committed to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies across the country.