The country is bracing for a potential petrol crisis as the Oil Tankers Association has initiated a strike, halting fuel distribution from the Islamabad Sihala depot until their demands are addressed.
The Association announced that petrol distribution to regions including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Hazara Division, and Gilgit-Baltistan will be interrupted, with Rawalpindi and Islamabad also facing supply stoppages. They are demanding a 65% increase in the usage of the White Oil Pipeline for transportation, higher fares, the rehabilitation of older vehicles, and a 50% increment in overloading trips.
The strike will persist until their demands are met, the statement noted.
In addition, the Oil Companies Advisory Council has signalled a looming shortage in petroleum products nationwide, urging the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Division to engage in discussions to settle the dispute. The disruption has affected various terminals and depots, including Port Qasim and Keamari, prompting the council to appeal for immediate intervention to prevent a fuel shortage crisis, as per the communication from OCAC.
