The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has warned of a potential petrol shortage in parts of the country and urged the federal government to take immediate steps to avert a fuel supply crisis.
In an urgent letter addressed to the federal minister for petroleum, the OCAC said the country currently has petrol reserves sufficient for only 15 days, expressing concern that delays in customs clearance could disrupt the supply chain.
The council warned that upcountry areas are particularly at risk of facing petrol shortages if the situation is not addressed promptly. It added that fuel supplies are under further pressure due to the non-approval of Pakistan State Oil's (PSO) import cargo.
The OCAC also called for immediate payment of Rs66.7 billion in pending Price Differential Claim (PDC) dues, saying oil marketing companies are facing severe financial strain.
According to the council, the rising cost of petroleum imports has significantly increased the industry's working capital requirements, making it difficult for companies to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies.
The letter urged the Ministry of Petroleum to remove the hurdles in customs clearance of imported petroleum products through the WeBOC system to ensure timely deliveries.
The OCAC warned that if immediate financial relief is not provided and import-related issues remain unresolved, the timely import of petroleum products could be affected, increasing the risk of fuel shortages across the country.
The council appealed to the Ministry of Petroleum to intervene without delay to stabilise the supply chain and prevent disruptions in petrol supplies.