Islamabad: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has clarified that Pakistan has adequate reserves of petroleum products — including petrol, diesel and other fuels — to fully meet the country’s needs under the current circumstances.
Responding to rumours circulating on social media amid rising tensions in the Middle East and concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, OGRA has urged the public to refrain from purchasing large quantities of fuel unnecessarily or storing it at home. Such actions, it warned, could create an artificial shortage.
OGRA officials said strict action has been decided against those involved in hoarding. Only licensed oil depots and retail outlets (petrol pumps) are legally authorised to store petroleum products. Immediate action will be taken against anyone storing fuel at unauthorised locations, including sealing of premises and legal proceedings.
Provincial chief secretaries have been directed to mobilise deputy commissioners and relevant officials to intensify market monitoring and curb illegal activities.
Meanwhile, a leader of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, Sameer Hussain, said some oil companies are no longer supplying fuel to petrol pumps based on demand but instead providing supplies according to average sales figures.
He explained that some companies are calculating supplies based on the previous month’s average sales, while others are using the six-month average. Petrol pumps linked with Pakistan State Oil are receiving supplies according to their February average sales.
Energy experts believe that, given the potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, such a strategy by companies is appropriate to safeguard reserves and prevent unnecessary pressure on fuel stocks.
Authorities have assured that the situation is being closely monitored on a daily basis. Citizens have been advised to purchase fuel only as needed and rely on official sources for updates to avoid falling victim to rumours.
