ISLAMABAD: Concerns over possible petroleum product availability are rising in Pakistan as dealers warn that supply restrictions and quota management by marketing companies may lead to market pressure, particularly amid the volatile security situation in the Gulf region and uncertainty surrounding maritime energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
The All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (APPDA) has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the federal government to closely monitor fuel supply arrangements and prevent any artificial tightening of the petroleum market.
According to the association, some oil marketing companies are allegedly limiting petroleum product orders, cancelling previously confirmed deliveries, and introducing internal quota caps on fuel distribution to petrol pumps. Dealers fear that such practices could disrupt normal market operations and create uncertainty for transporters and consumers.
Vice Chairman of APPDA Noman Butt stated that several petrol pumps have already experienced reduced supply volumes. He warned that continued restrictions could trigger artificial scarcity, which may negatively affect public transportation, commercial activity, and daily commuting across the country.
While acknowledging the impact of global geopolitical tensions on energy markets, the association emphasized that stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector should be consulted before implementing major supply management decisions.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand, making international shipping stability and regional security conditions critical for maintaining uninterrupted fuel availability. Energy shipments to the country largely depend on maritime trade routes passing through sensitive strategic zones.
The letter further requested the government to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure that oil marketing companies maintain consistent supply flows to retail outlets across the country. APPDA warned that any sudden supply contraction could create market imbalance and increase consumer pressure.
Industry sources said that Pakistan’s fuel supply chain remains vulnerable to global price fluctuations, shipping risks, and regional security developments. The association urged authorities to establish a transparent coordination mechanism between regulators, oil marketing companies, and retail dealers to prevent supply disruptions.
However, a spokesman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Imran Ghaznavi, stated that to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and discourage hoarding during periods of extreme price volatility, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) may temporarily regulate supplies to retail outlets based on their historical sales patterns. He said this is a standard supply management practice aimed at maintaining stability in the overall distribution system.
The spokesperson further reassured the public that the country currently holds adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, well within the required regulatory limits, and that there is no shortage of petroleum products. Citizens have been advised not to pay attention to rumors and to rely only on information issued through official channels.
OMCs have not yet issued an official response regarding the alleged supply restrictions.
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