US-Iran War Chokes Pakistan Fuel Supply, Petrol And Diesel Shortage Triggers Hoardings; PM Shahbaz Sharif Seeks Help

US-Iran War: The oil crisis in Pakistan has deepened amid the US-Iran war. The shortage of oil prompted companies to hoard fuel illegally. Members of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) have warned that petrol pumps across the country may begin closing in the next few days after several companies cut supplies.

Pakistan is dependent on the oil supplies from the Gulf region, and the closure of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which affected its stocks. The Pakistan government is trying to offset the impact by finding alternative supply routes.

ALSO READ: Has US Changed Its Policy On Russia? US Energy Secretary Explains Why America Urged India To Buy Russian Oil Amid War

Chaudhary Irfan Elahi, the association's central general secretary, stated that the situation has become alarming due to the dwindling fuel supply. Diesel supplies have fallen to 20 per cent, and petrol supplies have also been drastically cut. Fuel prices are rising, with petrol prices rising by 35 Pakistani rupees and diesel by 17 Pakistani rupees.

50 Per Cent Reduction In Petrol Supplies

PPDA Central Punjab President Nauman Majeed acknowledged a 50 per cent reduction in petrol supplies and claimed that some private companies have begun hoarding petroleum products. PPDA Lahore President Jahanzaib Malik urged the government to ensure adequate fuel supply to petrol pumps.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed the provincial governments to take strict action against those hoarding petroleum products. He said any petrol pump involved in hoarding should be immediately seized, its license revoked, and legal action taken against it. The Prime Minister also directed the Petroleum Minister to visit the provinces and coordinate with the provincial governments.

ALSO READ: India Gave Safe Harbour To Another Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan, Days Before IRIS Dena Sinking, Crew Of 183 Safe: Reports

Pakistan Reached Out To Saudi Arabia

Earlier, Pakistan reached out to Saudi Arabia, seeking help to deal with the oil crisis. Saudi Arabia has responded positively to its request for an alternative oil supply route in the wake of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the attack on Iran, said Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik. He held a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki during which the two discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

Malik apprised the ambassador about the current situation and the implications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets. He said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the evolving situation on a daily basis, as the majority of Pakistan's energy supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

(With agencies/Jagran inputs)