ISLAMABAD: The Petrol Pump Dealers Association (PPDA) has warned the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) of an “artificial shortage” of high-speed diesel (HSD) allegedly caused by oil marketing companies (OMCs) ahead of the expected petroleum price revision on November 15.
In a letter addressed to OGRA Chairman Masroor Khan, the association’s vice chairman, Nouman Ali Butt, said fuel stations across Pakistan have been facing severe difficulties for the past week due to capping and quota restrictions imposed by OMCs on diesel supplies.
According to the association, OMCs are either withholding product or providing quantities so limited that fuel stations cannot meet public demand, resulting in pumps running dry. Orders placed by fuel dealers are being cancelled, with lorries reportedly stuck for hours without being allowed to load diesel.
The PPDA claims the OMCs have intentionally created an artificial shortage in anticipation of a speculated hike in fuel prices at the end of the fortnight.
The association has urged OGRA to direct OMCs to supply diesel at least in accordance with the sales volume of each fuel station. The letter warns that if their concerns remain unaddressed, petrol pump dealers may take the issue to the media and hold a press conference.
The letter has also been copied to the Minister for Petroleum, Secretary Petroleum, Director General Oil and Secretary OCAC.
