The shortage of petroleum products was witnessed in major parts of the country due to limited supplies of fuel to retail outlets by Oil Marketing Companies. For the past few weeks, an unexpected fuel shortage across the country has taken commuters by surprise.
A decline in petrol prices and crisis
It is unexpected because for the past nearly three months, due to a major decline in travel in almost all modes of transport, fuel consumption was at a much lower level than normal.
As if the people of this country are not already facing enough miseries due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the resultant economic woe, this new fuel crisis is entirely the result of gross mismanagement.
Imported fuel docks
Even in Karachi where all imported fuel docks, and from where petroleum and its related products are sent upcountry, one could see petrol stations empty or with a long queue of vehicles.
Karachi is the financial hub of the country and if even this city faces such scarcity one can imagine the situation in other cities and towns.
As the shortage of petrol has started shifting from Punjab to different parts of the country, the federal government appears to be working on managing the public outrage and panic buying but remains confused over the build-up to the crisis.
Prime Minister Imran Khan takes notice
Expressing serious concerns over the ongoing artificial shortage of petroleum products across the country, PM Khan had ordered strict action against those behind it.
PM Imran had expressed concern over the artificial shortage of petroleum products being created in the country by oil marketing companies and petrol dealers, adding that no mercy would be shown to the elements found guilty of fuel shortage.
The prime minister had directed the minister for petroleum and OGRA to ensure that every oil marketing company (OMC) maintains 21 days of stock to meet its license conditions.
He also directed that the Petroleum Division and OGRA take all actions necessary to ensure regular supplies within 48-72 hours.
What will be the result of the investigation?
PTI senior leader Jahangir Khan Tareen, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and other officials responsible for the sugar crisis have not been convicted to date and investigations into the petrol crisis are in the early stages.
To save the people from hoarding, the government needs to formulate a clear strategy that is lacking at every level.
Petrol pump owners’ response
Petrol pump owners stated that they have been facing a shortage of fuel supply for the past many days, despite their repeated requests to suppliers.
This shortage emerged as soon as the intercity and intracity public transport was permitted to ply after almost two months of a lockdown situation.
As people and transporters brought their vehicles back to the roads they have been facing difficulties.
Artificial shortage in the markets
According to reports, in some cases, more expensive high-octane is the only available option to commuters.
The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association is solely blaming the suppliers for the crisis in the country.
The problem appears to be that some petroleum companies did not buy petrol at lower prices, and now when the prices have been reduced they want to recoup their losses by creating an artificial shortage in the markets.
Certain SOPs for the supplier companies
There appears to be gross negligence on the part of those concerned. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Association must answer a few tough questions.
Any delay in the import of petroleum should have been noticed immediately because there are certain SOPs that the companies are supposed to follow, failing which the government is bound to take action.
Who is responsible for the petrol crisis?
Pakistan is struck by crisis after crisis due to the lack of awareness of the rules by the poor and enormous corruption, mismanagement by the rulers.
A home cannot be managed without making proper programme but the rulers were running the country without any plan.
It was the government’s responsibility to have regulated the market by forcing private companies to follow the rules.
Law enforcement agencies are tasked with curbing illegal activities, but police officials have reportedly supported the owners of illegal petrol agencies.
What should be the strategy?
The government should take strict steps to root out those who use the principles of supply and demand in a negative way against the state and the people, for which the principle of justice and fairness of Islam must be kept in mind.
This issue cannot be solved unless the hoarders get severe punishment. The government should take all possible steps to give strict punishment to those behind it.
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