Concerns over a Pakistan petrol shortage have intensified after the country’s oil marketing companies warned the government about the risk of supply disruptions.
Industry representatives have urged authorities to take immediate action, saying delays in resolving key issues could affect fuel availability in the coming weeks.
In a letter marked “Most Urgent” and addressed to Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervaiz Malik on July 15, the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) said the country’s petrol supply situation has become increasingly critical. According to the council, current fuel reserves have fallen to approximately 370,000 metric tons of Motor Spirit (MS), enough to meet only about 15 days of national demand.
The advisory council highlighted that delays in customs clearance through the WebOC system are slowing the release of imported petrol shipments. It warned that if three scheduled petrol cargoes are not cleared and delivered on time, the country’s fuel supply chain could face significant pressure.
Oil companies also pointed to serious financial challenges affecting the sector. According to the council, PKR 66.7 billion in outstanding payments has placed oil marketing companies under severe financial strain, limiting their ability to maintain smooth import and distribution operations.
Industry officials believe that multiple factors are contributing to the growing supply risk, including historically low fuel inventories, delays in clearing imported cargoes, rising domestic demand, and increasing financial pressure on petroleum companies. Together, these challenges could disrupt the steady supply of petrol across the country if left unresolved.
Energy experts say timely government intervention could help prevent a supply crisis. They recommend accelerating customs clearance procedures, resolving outstanding payments, and ensuring that imported fuel shipments reach the market without unnecessary delays to maintain stable fuel availability.
