A nationwide shortage of petroleum products is feared due to delays in the clearance of shipments at Karachi Port, following the imposition of the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess by the Sindh government.
The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has written an urgent letter to the Chief Minister, warning of the situation. Petroleum cargoes currently being discharged, as well as ships docked at ports, require immediate customs clearance, Express News reported on Monday.
According to the OCAC, PSO’s oil tankers MT Islam 2 and MT Hanifa are anchored at berths awaiting customs clearance. Oil stocks at Keamari are depleting rapidly, and the two vessels docked at KPT urgently need clearance to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country.
The OCAC further warned that if Wafi Energy’s petroleum cargo and PARCO’s crude oil cargo, scheduled to arrive at KPT on October 21, are not cleared promptly, the crisis may escalate. The cess is posing serious financial and operational threats to the downstream petroleum industry.
The Council noted that the 1.8% cess could result in a price increase of over Rs. 3 per litre for petroleum products. Ultimately, this burden will be transferred to consumers, as petroleum product prices are regulated.
OCAC also highlighted that the ongoing agricultural season makes it even more critical to maintain a steady fuel supply. In the event of a disruption, it could take up to two weeks to restore the supply chain. The council has urgently called on the government to take immediate notice of the matter.
