Petrol shortage fears grip Lahore, other cities Punjab

LAHORE – A likely shortage of petrol has emerged across Punjab, including Lahore, after supply operations were disrupted at several major oil depots due to inspections conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Customs authorities. The sources associated with petrol pumps said that the raids and stock verification at oil depots in different parts of the province delayed the dispatch of oil tankers, affecting the timely supply of petroleum products to fuel stations. The sources said that many petrol pumps in Lahore and other districts did not receive their scheduled fuel deliveries on Friday. As a result, dozens of filling stations in the provincial capital are reportedly left with fuel stocks sufficient only for the day. They further claimed that no oil tanker departed from the Mahmood Kot and Ghatti oil depots during the day. Under normal circumstances, more than 150 oil tankers are dispatched daily from these depots to supply petrol pumps across Punjab. Sources added that no tanker from either depot had reached petrol stations since the morning. Petrol pump operators also said that many dealers had placed smaller fuel orders than usual in anticipation of a possible reduction in petrol prices, further limiting available stocks. Industry sources warned that if the disruption in tanker movement continues, the availability of petrol could be affected in Lahore and several other parts of Punjab over the coming days. No official statement has yet been issued by the FIA, Customs authorities or the relevant petroleum regulators regarding the reported disruption in fuel supplies or the possibility of any shortage. Petrol Prices in Pakistan may drop by around Rs15 Per Litre tomorrow