The Oil Marketing Association of Pakistan has issued a fresh warning, stating that a fuel supply disruption across the country could occur if problems linked to product allocation by local refineries are not resolved.
In a letter issued from Lahore, OMAP said it is concerned that local refineries have deviated from previously agreed supply commitments, creating uncertainty for oil marketing companies (OMCs) that plan distribution based on refinery allocations.
According to the letter, OMCs planned supply operations after receiving assurances that domestic refineries would provide petroleum products in quantities agreed during a product review meeting.
However, OMAP said that refineries have not delivered supplies in accordance with those commitments.
Chairman Tariq Wazir Ali said many companies refrained from arranging shipments of imported cargo after being assured that local refineries would meet demand. He added that refineries later introduced a new product distribution mechanism without prior coordination with oil marketing companies.
Under the new system, OMCs are reportedly receiving significantly smaller quantities of petroleum products than expected.
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OMAP said alternative supply sources are not readily available at present, which could make it harder to maintain stable fuel availability in the market.
Tariq Wazir Ali also claimed that despite having adequate petroleum stocks, refineries are supplying reduced volumes to OMCs. As a result, mandatory fuel reserves that must be maintained for at least 21 days are gradually declining.
The association cautioned that if the situation continues, national fuel stocks could fall to critically low levels in the coming days.
In the event of a shortage, OMAP’s letter said responsibility would lie with the refineries and the regulatory authorities overseeing the sector.
