Disruption in petrol, diesel supply could lead to acute shortages

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: The ongoing protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has led to fears of shortages in petrol and diesel supply within the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Local petroleum dealers have cautioned that the continued road blockages could lead to depleted stocks at petrol stations.

The protest by PTI resulted in extensive road closure across the Rawalpindi-Islamabad entry points, along with rest of the country, including Lahore. Over 20,000 security personnel were deployed across Punjab, with rangers and even Frontier Corps ordered to ‘maintain peace’ across the country’s most populous province.

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The Ministry of Petroleum also acknowledged the disruptions affecting petrol and diesel supplies. A spokesperson for the Petroleum Division instructed all oil marketing companies to prioritise the maintenance of fuel availability in the twin cities.

The ministry’s notice specifically addressed the supply issues in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, calling for uninterrupted fuel distribution.

Authorities are also urging oil firms to implement measures to ensure that petrol and diesel remained accessible despite the ongoing blockage.