Petrol pumps in Islamabad and Rawalpindi could soon run out of fuel, Oil dealers warned on Monday.
Government has shut down the twin cities amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest. Major roads in the capital have been sealed as the PTI convoy advances towards the city. Large contingents of security forces have been deployed, and Monday was declared a school holiday across the city.
They warned that existing fuel stocks would be exhausted unless supplies were restored the same day.
The Petroleum Division has taken note of the looming fuel shortage in the twin cities. In a circular issued on Monday, it directed dealers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol.
Meanwhile, travel restrictions in Lahore and other parts of the country have severely disrupted the supply chain, triggering a sharp rise in the prices of perishable goods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Potatoes experienced a steep price hike, with soft skin A-grade varieties officially set at Rs127-135 per kilogram but selling for Rs180-200 per kilogram in markets. Similarly, B and C-grade potatoes, along with mixed-grade varieties, were sold significantly above government-fixed rates.
Onion prices also surged, with A-grade onions retailing at Rs180-200 per kilogram, far exceeding the official price range of Rs135-145 per kilogram.
Tomatoes, another essential item, faced intense inflationary pressures. A-grade tomatoes were sold at Rs300-340 per kilogram, nearly double the government-fixed price of Rs170-180 per kilogram.
