PkMAP Expresses Concern Over Fuel Shortage, Demands Action Against Hoarders

Quetta (News Desk) — Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party has expressed serious concern over the ongoing shortage of Pakistani and Iranian petroleum products in Quetta and several Pashtun-majority districts of Balochistan, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable for the public.

In a statement issued by the party’s provincial secretariat, it said that citizens are facing long queues, severe inconvenience, and inflated fuel prices on a daily basis, while the government and district administrations appear unable to control prices or take effective action against hoarders.

According to the statement, a severe shortage of petrol has been reported in Quetta, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Harnai, Ziarat, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Musa Khel, Mekhtar, Loralai, Barkhan, and Brashore. The party alleged that fuel hoarders have created an artificial shortage and are exploiting the situation to earn excessive profits.

The statement noted that the crisis is affecting students, government and private-sector employees, and ordinary citizens, making transportation and daily commuting increasingly difficult. It further claimed that petrol is being sold on the black market in some areas for as much as Rs500 per litre.

PkMAP also alleged that after action was taken against illegal Iranian fuel outlets, several major company-operated petrol pumps remained closed, raising concerns about possible hoarding and collusion. The party said that long queues of vehicles and motorcycles can be seen at the few pumps that remain operational.

Rejecting reports circulating on social media suggesting a price of Rs280 per litre for Iranian petrol, the party argued that the fuel should not be sold for more than Rs200 per litre. It called on authorities to reopen fuel stations and ensure that petrol is sold at affordable rates.

The party demanded immediate and strict action against those responsible for creating an artificial fuel shortage, as well as against hoarders and profiteers. It also urged the government to take emergency measures to ensure the uninterrupted supply of affordable fuel to the public.