Entry of oil-carrying vehicles into Gwadar banned

The district administration in Gwadar has imposed a ban on the entry of all oil-carrying vehicles into the city, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

According to the official notification, the restriction applies to oil transporters operating between Jiwani, Panjgur and Gwadar city.

The notification states that all drivers and relevant individuals should avoid travelling toward Jiwani, and strict legal action will be taken against any vehicle found violating the order.

The notification further directs all law enforcement agencies to ensure effective compliance with these instructions in the Gwadar district.

Local media reports indicated that authorities have enforced an immediate ban on all oil-carrying vehicles, particularly Zamyad trucks and similar transporters, as part of renewed efforts to curb large-scale smuggling from Iran.

Officials say the decision aims to disrupt an entrenched illegal trade that drains the national exchequer of billions of rupees every year.

Recent intelligence assessments suggest that nearly 10 million litres of Iranian petrol and diesel are smuggled daily into Pakistan, causing revenue losses of more than Rs227 billion.

The flourishing smuggling network operates due to significant price differences between Pakistan and Iran, relying on thousands of boats, makeshift storage depots and modified trucks that keep the supply chain moving.

Authorities say the main smuggling route begins in Sistan, Iran, where fuel-laden speedboats travel through the Dasht River to Jiwani.

From there, the smuggled fuel continues to Gwadar before being transported deeper into Balochistan and into parts of Punjab and Sindh.

Although the illegal trade provides economic lifelines for many local communities, officials warn that it continues to undermine legitimate markets and strengthen organised criminal networks.

Reporter: Essa Tareen